Things to do & places to visit in Southern Mexico, Mexico

Southern Mexico #5 destination in Mexico 2023. The average rating score is 4.61 based on 52.5k traveler reviews, of 60 attractions. Timezone: America/Mexico_City, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 22:21.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán (4.867 reviews)
- Photos don’t do it justice!!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • History Museums

The ruins of this ancient Zapotec capital make up one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Latin America. See more..
5.0 Zona Arqueologica de Palenque (3.706 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit! Don’t pay for the very expensive guide at the entrance. It is not worth it at all.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

It’s awesome, a must see if you like Mayan ruins, and there is also evidence of ancient megalithic high technology. A very peaceful place with not many tourists so you can take your time and enjoy. As of now you cannot climb and enter the ruins unfortunately. WARNING: Do not pay for the extremely expensive ($1800 pesos) tour guide at the entrance. It is extremely overpriced and the information given by the guide is nothing that you can’t just look up on internet. They oversell their product and it’s just not worth it. Look for the massive limestone blocks for evidence of lost ancient technology. ;) See more..
5.0 Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán (2.700 reviews)
- Architectural Wonder
Churches & Cathedrals

One of the city's most ornate structures, this church is lavishly endowed with gold. See more..
5.0 National Park of Palenque (1.212 reviews)
- A good place
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • National Parks

A wide variety of pyramids, temples and sculptures have all been found at this famous Mayan archaeological site. See more..
5.0 Cascada El Chiflon (668 reviews)
- Breathtaking natural beauty
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

Stunning waterfalls with clean, well maintained paths. There are plenty of places to swim, too. We stayed a night in the cabins and it was very relaxing. We also enjoyed the restaurant on site. The food was good and prices were fair. See more..
5.0 Punta Cometa (553 reviews)
- Best place to watch the sunset
Lookouts

Punta Cometa is most outward point in Zipolite/Mazunte and watching the sunset is worth the 20-25 min hike. Couple of tips... 1. Wear comfortable shoes: The hike has many ups and downs and the terrain is a bit rough, don’t go with your beach sandals 2. Limited parking: If you grab a cab, no problem. But if you rented a car like me, arrive some 45 mins before sunset in order to park as close as possible. 3. You have 2 spots to sun gaze: you can take the side road towards a beach or continue all the way to the top. 4. This is not a party section: I saw some people heading to the point with beers in hand, AFTER the sunset! There are no trash cans at the point and walking back drunk is not recommended See more..
5.0 Zona Arqueológica de Yaxchilán (532 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins

This is a rather large and well excavated Mayan site that is rather difficult to reach so you get the whole "hidden gem/remote jungle" and "beautifull Maya ruins" experience in one go! It starts with a 30/40min boat ride where we haggled down to 200$M/person (we were a group of 4) that is a very nice jungle experience in itself. We saw some toucans and other birds flying over and enjoyed the teeming jungle passing along. The site itself is not the most amazing one, but there is a lot to explore: 2 acropoli, a large plaza and a small labyrinth you van actually enter. Compared to other sites that are this remote it is really well excavated, and a lot of fine carvings can be found while roaming the site. Added bonus is the river that can be seen from some structures. The only other visitors were 4 other people, some howler and spider monkeys and a gazillion mosquitos. Bring repellent and long trousers! (They did seem to stay low) See more..
4.5 Hierve el Agua (2.815 reviews)
- Great day trip!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Geologic Formations

Located about 40 miles from Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua makes a great day trip from the city. Here, you'll see two waterfall-like rock formations which were formed when mineral-rich water spilled over the cliffs and trickled down the mountainside. At the top, you can take a dip in the man-made pools while enjoying awe-inspiring views. While they're not thermal springs, the waters were said to have healing properties due to their high mineral content. The easiest way to get here is via a private tour from Oaxaca. It's recommended to arrive early for thinner crowds. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Cascadas de Agua Azul (2.746 reviews)
- WARNING!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Waterfalls

Beautiful waterfalls!!! We spend here 3 hours, which was a bit on the long side. WARNING: Please leave before dark!! We left after it was dark and got stopped by bandits jumping out of the jungle on the road. Our driver was a well enough driver to turn of the lights for a moment and keep driving. After the bend in the road another couple of people jumped out of the bushes pointing guns at us, but our drive kept driving and in the end nothing happend. But I thought my live was over for a couple of seconds. Thank God nothing happened, but I want to share this so you are aware that this is possible! See more..
4.5 Zócalo (1.762 reviews)
- This is the spot for people watching, live music, shopping, restaurants, dancing...
Points of Interest & Landmarks

At first, I didn't realize that the "Zocalo" is just the town square next to the main cathedral. In the middle, there is a bandstand type structure and around the outside of the square are restaurants and informal shopping stands. There are plenty of sellers walking around with scarves, bags, balloons, children's toys, and little wooden combs/spoons, etc. with decorative handles. Any one of these "walk about" sellers will offer you a discounted price if you say no to their first price and walk away. But the more established shops in tents around the square are less willing to haggle and often more expensive than the ones just down the street, next to the 2 main market buildings - 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juarez. We were only in Oaxaca 2 nights, but both nights there was live music and dancing in the square. This is where we got to see locals letting loose and tourists watching on in fascination. Since it's in the center of town and pretty much everything, you can't miss it. See more..
4.5 Playa La Entrega (1.734 reviews)
- Must see beach when in Huatulco
Beaches

Could walk from Santa Cruz here but up a very steep hill and with this heat recommend a taxi (about 60 pesos). Drop you off and a guy will meet you to take you down to an area with an umbrella and beach front (make sure you tip). It is hot and humid you will want cervasa and or water !! They will also keep an eye on your stuff ! Snorkeling is Amazing!!!! Seriously good with a huge variety of fish and so many to look at! It is easy waves with little work to get there and back !! Beginner snorkeling people a breeze and seasoned ones will love it as go past ticks and coral covered with fish ! Even just to go out to ocean to cool off is easy ❤️ Actually tried the oysters in the beach a young guy was serving - cool experience and didn’t get sick! Also tried the mango too - so delicious Easy to catch cab back to Santa Cruz and driver stopped at view point so I could get picture ( Must do as view is incredible of harbours !) Namaste See more..
4.5 Cascadas de Misol-Ha (1.515 reviews)
- Underrated - must go if you are near Palenque
Waterfalls

A must go if you’re in the Palenque area. We definitely did not expect the waterfall to be so massive and well reserved. There were not a bunch of vendors overwhelming the visitors like the other sites BUT the way here from San Cristobal was sketchy AF. The guys in oxchuc have their own entry fees by hand made wooden planks with nails to keep your vehicle from entering and leaving their city and women and children are standing on the side of the road with a rope to keep vehicles from passing to aggressively sell you things you don’t need. I just wish the government could help these people out because they have to do what they know to survive. I would recommend booking a tour guide. We tried to do the solo thing due to covid but it didn’t work in our favor either. Definitely book a guide since they are more familiar with the locals. See more..
4.5 Mercado Benito Juárez (1.459 reviews)
- One of the better markets in Mexico to browse in.
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Historic Sites • Flea & Street Markets

Visitors to this marketplace are advised to bargain with vendors to get low prices. See more..
4.5 Buceo Scuba Huatulco (1.380 reviews)
- Great dive!
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

BuceoHuatulco is divecenter focus on the marine biology, our instructor it´s a Master Scuba Diver Trainer from PADI, we´ve been on the business for five years now and we really like what we do. We try to share our passion for the oceans. We provide logistics for conducting Scuba diving activities, in order to assess and educate about the knowledge of our sea. We like to have personalized service to make sure that security is first. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero (1.326 reviews)
- A pleasant surprise
National Parks • Canyons

What a pleasant surprise of a natural wonder ! I must admit I did come to this trip as part of 15 day tour across Mexico. Due to a bad weather forecast for the day we were supposed to have it, we were called late in the day and asked if we could do it early evening. I must admit we almost said no, but I’m so glad that we went. The team waited for us after the normal closing time and as the result we were the only boat on the lake/ canyon. It was a wonderful evening and we were blown away by the Shere scale and majesty of a towering cliffs and wild life in the canyon. Our driver/guide was excellent even though we couldn’t speak Spanish. He did his best to point out various crocodiles, birds, caves, etc along the way. Our trip lasted 1.5 hours and by the time we returned it was dark. Wonderful evening had by all! An unbelievable well kept secret canyon . See more..
4.5 Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca (1.244 reviews)
- Good news! It’s open again.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Speciality Museums

We heard that the museo de las culturas de Oaxaca had just reopened, so we took a chance and went there today (May18th) at about 1 pm to find that they reopened today. Admission was 85 pesos. A guide standing outside asked if we wanted a one hour tour. We said “yes” even though it was 600 pesos, or about 30 USD, because we know that to get the most out of our visit an English speaking guide was must. We were his first tour in more than 2 years! His name was ‘Em, and he was very knowledgeable about the artifacts in the museum as well as the building itself, which had been a Dominican friary and then an army barracks. We particularly like the library with its ancient books and manuscripts, as well as the beautiful treasures of Tomb 7. See more..
4.5 Playa Zicatela (1.227 reviews)
- Not just for Surfers
Beaches

Beachfront in Puerto Escondido. See more..
4.5 Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca (1.177 reviews)
- Incredible
Gardens

The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca exhibits hundreds of live plant species, all native to Oaxaca. Planting began in 1998 with plants coming from different regions in the state of Oaxaca; such as arid, humid, low tropical and high mountainous temperate zones. The garden represents the broad diversity of geological formations, types of vegetation and climates that characterize Oaxaca. See more..
4.5 Templo de Santo Domingo (1.024 reviews)
- Still in recovery after the earthquake
Speciality Museums

This 16th-century baroque church dominates one of the town's main plazas. See more..
4.5 Catedral de San Cristóbal Mártir (1.022 reviews)
- Beautiful
Churches & Cathedrals

A spectacular view from the hill is your reward for reaching the church of San Cristobal. See more..
4.5 Tule Tree (860 reviews)
- Simply facinating
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This large cypress tree is said to be over 2,000 years old. See more..
4.5 Museo Textil de Oaxaca (766 reviews)
- An interesting little museum in the centre of Oaxaca
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Speciality Museums

The museum had creative displays of more contemporary work and also some more traditional Mexican clothing. Entry was free, we just had to provide our name and country. The museum isn’t very large, we were probably there for about 30 minutes in total. There were some QR codes to scan that gave information in English. Most of the information was written in Spanish but there was enough of the English information to understand the exhibits. There are lockers as you go in to store large bags and also a small shop and toilet. See more..
4.5 Aluxes Palenque (760 reviews)
- Unique experience
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We are Aluxes Ecoparque a non-profit non-governmental civil association based in Palenque Chiapas. Due to all the destruction of the ecosystems in the last couple of years Aluxes was created. The mission: ecosystemic rescue. To start more than 10, 000 trees were planted on the property along with other plants to complement and balance the new ecosystem that was being created, along with that process the natural wetlands on the property were rehabilitated and the lagoon system was reintroduced. This work gave way to a series of microclimates that allowed species of local flora and fauna to reemerge. Today there is an incredible amount of wildlife living naturally there, making the park a beautiful place full of life and color. We have a variety of projects to help our mission along, we are the first wildlife rescue center in the state, working alongside local authorities we help rescue and rehabilitate animals that have been victims of cruelty and trafficking. See more..
4.5 Bahía San Agustín (736 reviews)
- Snorkel Trip
Beaches

This beach is perfect for snorkeling and diving and features fresh-seafood restaurants. See more..
4.5 Parque de la Marimba (729 reviews)
- Day and night
Parks

The marimba's park is an excellent choice to decompress and relaxing. During the day you can hear the marimbas players with different kind of musics. And the night you can appreciate the street artist making nice shows. See more..
4.5 Andador de Macedonia Alcalá (678 reviews)
- Pure culture
Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of Oaxaca's crowded main thoroughfares. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Lagunas de Montebello (655 reviews)
- One of the best experiences ever
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

My girlfriend and I went to Montebello and we were a bit concerned about the roads because the bad comments on here, I just wanna let you know guys that these roads are in mint condition, no potholes,no rocks, yes some curves like any other Mexican road but you won't die buddy! Those little curves will make your trip worth it 110%. These lakes are just a piece of art and haven't seen anything better than them. If you ever get the chance to visit, make sure you do the canoe adventure ($250 pesos each). A guide will take you on a Mayan man built canoe through the five lakes giving you details on the history and answers any questions you may have. He will also stop for twenty minutes to allow you to swim in the beautiful lake of changing colours. This is a must see excursion! Highly recommended ! Tip: don't get a guide from the roads outside the national park, get a guide once you pay your entrance fee to the park Thumbs up if you like my comment!!! See more..
4.5 Cascadas Mágicas de Copalitilla (635 reviews)
- Breathtaking water fall tour in the mountains.
Waterfalls

Our tour guide Alejandro (Alex) was amazing, the falls were breathtaking. If you have a well abled group you can climb the falls and jump off, climb through caves & rope swing. Alex was so knowledgeable on all the local wildlife and knew a lot of the locals. We felt safe while travelling, the 1hr 45min drive was well worth it. You could bring kids if you were to pack snacks & lunch incase they don’t like the traditional lunch stop. Bring pesos for extras/tips for locals & gift shops. Would definitely do this again. See more..
4.5 Laguna Manialtepec (615 reviews)
- Bird watching and kayaking
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM Bodies of Water

Lagoon a few miles away from Puerto Escondido featuring lush plant life and pristine beaches. See more..
4.5 Tangolunda Bay (584 reviews)
- Long, wide beach
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water

The beach is a long, wide beach with few people on it. The surf is rough but there are a couple of spots that are a bit sheltered. There is no natural shade but a couple of restaurants where you can get out of the sun. It has a long line of surf so it's a good spot for beginner surfers. The rock formations in the water give it a cool look. See more..