15 Best Places in Mexico for Couples

Mexico is a destination rich in fine gastronomy, ancient cultures, superb art, and tropical beaches. Exploring it with a partner is double the fun.

Relax under a palm tree on the Caribbean coast or enjoy the Pacific Ocean views from Cabo San Lucas. Sip a margarita in Puerto Vallarta, or explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

Whatever you want to do, Mexico offers a warm climate and even warmer welcome. Sharing it with a loved one guarantees you will both have memories to last a lifetime.

Here are some of the best places in Mexico for couples.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Cozumel

The island of Cozumel sits on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It’s the perfect place to find romantic white-sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters. Whether swimming, snorkeling or diving, any couple will enjoy spending time together here.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is on the southern tip of the island, where it forms part of the Cozumel National Marine Park, home to some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean.

As well as great beaches, it has a mangrove swamp which you can explore on wooden walkways—and maybe even see a crocodile.

The Celarain Lighthouse is another attraction, rewarding the stiff climb to the top with 360º views over the Caribbean. Cool down afterward with drinks at the Punta Sur Beach Club.

Ensenada

Known as “The Wine Capital of Mexico”, Ensenada enjoys a Mediterranean climate. As well as helping grow vines, the climate encourages an active outdoor life that attracts many visitors.

Whatever activity you might want to try together, Ensenada will probably offer it. From surfing to sport fishing, hiking to ATV rides, an adventure awaits.

Those fine wines are supplemented by a strong food scene, recognized by UNESCO for its contribution to the world of gastronomy. Visit Ensenada’s Gastronomic District for a taste, literally, especially of the area’s fine seafood.

The city itself has everything from Mariachi bands to interesting museums. Spend time in Plaza Civica, the main square, to take in the ocean views and browse the stalls selling food and souvenirs.

Bacalar Lagoon (Seven Colors Lagoon), Costa Maya

This lagoon, 30 miles long and about a mile wide, is named for its vivid colors. Ranging from turquoise to deep blue, they vary according to water depth and temperature.

Whatever the causes, the result is remarkable. The blues in the water contrast with the vivid greens of the surrounding tropical vegetation to make a photogenic wonder.

The best way to see the lagoon is on the water. You can choose from a sailboat, a tube ride, or a kayak.

Finish with a visit to Isla de Los Pájaros, a bird sanctuary. Guides will help you identify many of the different marine species that nest or feed here.

Isla Todos Santos, Ensenada

This pair of uninhabited islands is a surfer’s—and snorkeler’s—paradise. Most of the surfing is for experienced boarders only but the snorkeling is a delight no matter your level of expertise. And it’s all the more enchanting with a snorkel buddy to share the experience

Be warned that the water can be cold, so wetsuits are provided by tour companies. However, you will soon forget the temperature if you find yourself swimming with seals or spot a dolphin.

The sea here is home to many colorful tropical fish, as well as manta rays. The underwater kelp forest is mesmerizing and hides a surprising variety of species.

A good guide adds considerably to the experience, helping you to find and identify both fish and bird species. You may even share the thrill of spotting dolphins or whales on the boat ride across to the islands.

Chichen Itza, Cozumel

Seeing the magnificent Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá is the experience of a lifetime; even more so when shared with a partner. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this ancient Maya city is a must-see for any couple visiting the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Maya civilizations—a set of separate city-states with a common language and religion—had a deep understanding of astronomy. The El Caracol structure here (“The Observatory”) is linked to the orbit of Venus.

Even more fascinating is the echo produced by the 365 steps of the main Pyramid of Kukulkan. A clap generates a sound that mimics the call of a Quetzal, a bird sacred to the Maya.

Cabo San Lucas

The resort town of Cabo San Lucas is a great place to enjoy Baja California’s tropical climate. Luxury hotels offer water sports, spas and nightlife galore.

Beach life revolves around El Medano Beach, a long strip of golden sand backed by restaurants and bars. Sip a cold drink while feeling the hot sand between your toes.

For a taste of Mexican culture, explore the Arts District of nearby San José del Cabo to find a permanent souvenir of your visit. You’ll find galleries displaying everything from paintings and sculpture, to pottery and jewelry.

Cabo San Lucas is also a popular base for whale watching in Mexico. Take Zodiac boats out to see the gray whales that migrate from Alaska to calve here every winter.

Read: Mexico Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Land’s End, Cabo San Lucas

Of course you’d go to the end of the world for your beloved, but it’s much easier to go to Land’s End, one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. This point at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula is where the Sea of ​​Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

A landmark here is El Arco (“The Arch”), designed by nature for the perfect souvenir photo. Couples will also want to see some of the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas, such as Playa del Amor—“Lover’s Beach”—for a walk, a snorkel, or just for the views.

Through a gap in the rocks is the much larger “Divorce Beach”, named for the stronger currents on the Pacific side. It’s still a beautiful beach for a romantic walk along the sands, despite the name.

Read: Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Puerto Vallarta

Hollywood stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor helped put Puerto Vallarta on the map. After filming here in the 1960s, they both bought holiday homes, linking them with the “Lover’s Bridge” you can still see today.

Modern Puerto Vallarta has boomed so much since that it’s almost unrecognizable. However, its underlying attraction of bright blue sea, set against the green tropical curve of Banderas Bay, means it’s still one of the best vacation spots in Mexico for couples.

One of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta is to take the Malecon Boardwalk along the seafront to enjoy those remarkable ocean views. Eleven blocks long, it’s a great place for a romantic stroll at sunset or any other time of day.

As well as plenty of shops, there are also numerous food and drink options. Stop to admire the work of local artists or be amazed by the Voladores de Papantla acrobats and musicians “flying” atop a 30-ft pole in an ancient Mexican ritual.

Some amazing statues, of mermaids, dolphins and much more, are also popular photography subjects along the Malecon. For some art of your own, explore the town’s many galleries and shops offering folk art, sculpture, glassware, ceramics and much more.

Read: Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Sierra Madre, Puerto Vallarta

If you ever tire of Mexico’s coast—unlikely, of course—then head off into the Sierra Madre. These mountains reach 3,000ft and their tree-covered slopes make for a real change of scenery.

One of the best things to do in Mexico is to hike the Sierra Madre mountains, where you can see the lush flora and birdlife at leisure. Other, more energetic, options for thrill-seeking couples include ziplining and ATV tours.

Most tours will include the option to cool off afterward with a dip in a stream or waterfall. Pack some insect repellent if you are going to be exposing a lot of skin; it’s a jungle out there.

La Bufadora, Ensenada

The world’s second-largest blowhole, and the American continent’s only one, this natural phenomenon is a must-see for any visitor to Mexico. It’s an amazing sight, and a great memory for any couple to share.

Waves pounding into a sea cave compress the air that is then explosively released as the wave recedes. The result is a geyser of seawater erupting from the cave roof up to 100 feet in the air.

For an extra thrill, one of the best things to do in Ensenada is to paddle a double kayak to see—and hear—La Bufadora from the sea. It’s also an excellent way to get close to the Pacific marine life; you could see pods of dolphins, or migrating gray whales.

Hacienda Dona Engracia, Puerto Vallarta

Tequila is one of the few drinks you fall in love with on vacation that you might actually drink at home. Mexico, the birthplace of tequila, exports four times more than it consumes domestically.

To find out more about this fiery spirit, this beautiful old family hacienda is a great place to start. You can learn about the whole process, from agave plant to bottle, and sample various ages and flavors.

By the time you have drunk your way through the tastings, you will feel like an expert. They also do excellent lunches, with authentic Mexican singers and dances to add to the fun.

Old Mazatlán, Mazatlán

Centered on Plaza Machado, the restored old town of Mazatlán is a lovely place to stroll around as a couple. There are lots of cafés, restaurants, bars, and art galleries to keep you entertained for hours.

A few blocks north of Plaza Machado is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This neo-Gothic cathedral dates to the 1800s and has a wonderful Baroque interior.

You can browse for souvenirs at the Municipal Market, which is famous for its shrimp sellers. Cool down at Playa Olas Altas, where you can swim in a saltwater pool.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride in a “pneumonia”, or open taxi, with a fringed canopy on top. Despite the name, it’s an enjoyable way to get around. Mazatlán’s Golden Zone, with its hotels, shopping and nightlife, is a short hop away.

Deer Island, Mazatlán

Isla de Venados (Deer Island) is the largest of three islands named for the species (wolf, bird, and deer) that once dominated them. Now a 100-acre nature preserve, just off the coast, it has one of the best beaches in Mazatlan.

With its lovely sand and clear, calm water, this is a great place to go snorkeling in Mexico, even for complete beginners. You can also hike to the peak at the center of the island.

Going on a guided kayak trip here is one of the best things to do in Mazatlan. The guides are deeply knowledgeable about all the many species of flora and fauna, including dolphins, you might see.

Mahahual, Costa Maya

This former fishing village in Costa Maya is a fast-growing but still charming resort on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Its soft sand beaches and the offshore Mesoamerican Barrier Reef are only the start of its attractions.

Just behind the coast are marshlands and mangroves, home to many different bird species. One of the best things to do in Costa Maya is to take an eco-tour to enjoy a unique natural experience.

Nearby Mayan ruins at Chacchoben, Kohunlich and Dzibanche are much less crowded than some of Mexico’s more famous sites, but all the better for it. Their intimacy helps make Mahahaul one of the best places in Mexico for couples.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the biggest in the Western Hemisphere. Dive it with one of the eco-friendly dive centers that are helping to preserve its many attractions.

Read: Best Beaches in Costa Maya

Mayan Cacao Company, Cozumel

Shakespeare suggested music is the food of love, but that was centuries before the chocolate bar was invented. The Maya, however, had always thought chocolate was a gift from their gods.

One of the best things to do in Cozumel is to visit the Mayan Cacao Company, where you can learn more about the history of this magical bean. Of even more interest is the fact that you can both try some in several different forms, including chocolate margaritas.

In Mexico, chocolate is used in a bewildering variety of ways. It’s a popular, cinnamon-flavored, frothy drink and also used as a chili-rich savory sauce in cooking.

But, don’t worry, you can also find bars of chocolate, from milk to dark and everywhere in between, with plenty of opportunity for sampling before you buy. You will also discover chocolate for sale in everything from bars of soap to body lotions.

Read: Where to Go Shopping in Cozumel

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