A Mexican’s guide to the real Mexico, 25+ best places to travel by someone that knows

A short ferry ride from Cancun (about 20 mins). Isla Mujeres has beautiful turquoise waters and a slower pace. It’s known for Playa Norte (often listed among the best beaches) and it’s ideal for a few weeks of chill island life.

Isla Mujeres is perfect if you’re after lazy beach days, sunset cocktails, snorkeling and a laid back energy. Easy to reach, easy to navigate and one of my favorite islands in the world. If you’ve been to Indonesia it gives Gili T energy.

P.S. Playa Norte is magical if you make it early enough, after 10 a.m. it becomes extra crowded especially during high season.

If you want peace, head south to Punta Sur. It’s a rocky cliffside park with dramatic ocean views and a sculpture garden perfect for a sunrise walk!

The silver lining is that Isla Mujeres doesn’t get seaweed like Cancun and Playa do.

Is Isla Mujeres a good spot for Digital Nomads?

I think you can make it work although it doesn’t have the most optimal conditions for a long term stay. The longest I’ve stayed was about two weeks although I keep coming back.

The island is geared more toward short-term vacationers so there are very few spots to work from and most people come and go pretty quick.

In my opinion it’s beautiful to unplug but not ideal to build a remote-work routine.

Holbox feels like stepping into another rhythm of life: sandy streets instead of pavement, golf carts instead of cars, and hammocks strung right above the water. It’s rustic, photogenic and perfect if you want to slow down and disconnect.

It’s all about slowing down! Hammocks, sunsets and sandy streets. If you want barefoot luxury and don’t mind rustic (and I mean real rustic) infrastructure, you’ll love it like I do. It’s great for travelers chasing tranquility.

Go to Punta Cocos. At night, the water here often glows with bioluminescence. You can enjoy it better if you happen to be there during a new moon.

Is Holbox a good spot for Digital Nomads?

No. This is why although I’ve been to Holbox several times I have never done online work from there. The internet connection is way too unreliable and inconsistent. You may get some good days with data if you’re using Telcel but I would not bet on it. Holbox is more for a digital detox or a break than for your remote job routine.

Just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is a diver’s paradise with its world famous reefs (if you’re like me and can’t dive you can also do pretty epic snorkel tours). Beyond the cruise ship port, though, you’ll find a super quiet island life and a very slow pace.

So naturally Cozumel is perfect if you’re into water activities. The island is less about nightlife and more about days at the ocean.

Is Cozumel a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Cozumel has decent internet and some cafes where you could work from but it’s still primarily a vacation island. Great for a few weeks if you’re wanting to mix work with diving but not the strongest nomad hub long term.

Mahahual is a small fishing village turned beach town in Costa Maya. It has calm waters, a laid-back vibe, and a charming malecon lined with beach bars and hammocks.

On cruise ship days the town can feel crowded for a few hours but once the ships leave, it goes back to its sleepy rhythm.

It’s perfect if you want beaches without the mega-resort, the nightlife of Cancun or Playa and are after slow days by the water. Just plan around cruise ship arrivals if you want it extra quiet.

Just south of town is Banco Chichorro, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Is Mahahual a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Infrastructure is minimal and the internet is only okay. If you’re happy keeping things light on the work side a couple of weeks here would be a proper recharge.

Bacalar is known as the “Lagoon of seven colors”, it is a freshwater paradise where shades of blue shift with the sun. It’s a peaceful, slow town and perfect if you want to trade the salty ocean for calm waters and a more off the beaten path vibe.

It’s ideal to relax by the water without the big beach resorts surrounding you with blasting music (like in Cancun). My favorite spot to swim is “El Acerradero”, make sure to go early and also check out “Los Rapidos” a narrow stretch of the lagoon where current pulls you downstream. It’s like a natural lazy river lol.

If you have some extra time, take a day trip to Xul-Ha to experience an untouched side of the lagoon. This is one of my favorite hidden corners in the world.

Is Bacalar a good spot for Digital Nomads?

It’s not per se a digital nomad hub but it’s perfect for a relaxing stay. I read Wifi could be spotty, specially if it rains but it was not my experience at all, it wasn’t super fast but it was 100% manageable. Co-working is nonexistent and I could only find one café with A/C (you’ll need it). But you can work from home and go to the lagoon in the morning or before sunset when it’s not too sunny. I stayed for two months and I don’t regret it at all. It’s been one of my most relaxing stays as a nomad.

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back surf town where life flows to the rhythm of the waves. Mornings are for strong coffee and beach walks, afternoons for wave riding and sunset evenings. It’s kinda rustic, kinda chaotic (in the best way) and has just enough community to keep long-term travelers hooked.

It’s perfect if you want a mix of surf culture and small-town vibes. You can split your time between lively beach strips and calm coves with a bohemian nightlife scene.

Playa Carrizalillo (my favorite and also the one in the picture) is the local fav for swimming and surf learning (that’s where I learned to surf!) It’s a hidden cove reached by a long staircase, the place makes the climb totally worth it!

Is Puerto Escondido a good spot for Digital Nomads?

A few years back I would’ve said no but they’ve introduced better WiFi to the town and although it can still be inconsistent sometimes, it’s reliable enough to make it work.

The lifestyle here is tempting. Affordable, scenic and creative. I keep wondering every once in a while if I should move to Puerto Escondido for good, that’s how much I love it.

Huatulco is a quieter coastal gem, famous for its nine bays and more than 30 beaches, which feel untouched. It’s far less touristy than Cancun or Puerto Vallarta making it ideal if you want peace, eco-friendly tourism, and a slower peace.

Spend your days beach hopping between bays, snorkeling and eating around with your toes in the sand.

Is Huatulco a good spot for Digital Nomads?

The internet works fine for lighter workloads, but the area lacks coworking spaces and a local community. Can be a “work-light” retreat or a reset, but not ideal as a long-term hub. I have personally not worked from Huatulco.

Sayulita is colorful, lively and energetic town near Puerto Vallarta. Known for its surf breaks, bohemian vibe and street art it’s one of Mexico’s most popular “Pueblos Magicos” (magic towns) on the Pacific coast. Beach by day, tacos and mezcal by night. It’s full of life.

Take a short 10 walk to Playa de los Muertos, a small beach behind a cemetery. It’s calm, scenic and nicer than Sayulita’s main beach (which tbh was pretty underwhelming to me coming from Cancun)

Is Sayulita a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Yes! It’s great if you’re down for a vibrant surf town energy with cafes and a community of remote workers. The catch? Noisy, a bit crowded and sometimes with patchy infrastructure. If you thrive in social environments though, check it out for sure!

Just 10 minutes from Sayulita, San Pancho feels way calmer and more soulful. It’s smaller, quieter and has a strong sense of community. The beach is wider, the sunsets are just as amazing and the pace of life is very slow.

San Pancho is perfect if you want quiet, long walks on the beach and evenings watching sunsets with a drink in hand.

Is San Pancho a good spot for Digital Nomads?

It’s great for a peaceful base with decent internet but don’t expect a huge coworking or nomad scene. Perfect if you want to work quietly, create, or reset while still having Sayulita’s energy close by.

Puerto Vallarta mixes resort life with Mexican charm. Its cobblestoned old town is filled with colorful houses and pink flowers while the malecon hosts street performers, food stalls and ocean views.

It has nightlife, culture and excursions, if you’re looking to party, relax or explore, it adapts easily to different types of trips.

Keep in mind that the main beach is not very pretty, so if you want to find the best beach spots you’ll have to take transportation from downtown to other surrounding areas.

A quick tip: take the water taxi from Boca de Tomalán to Yelapa, a beach town only accessible by boat. Also, check out Islas Marietas and book in advance.

Is Puerto Vallarta a good spot for Digital Nomads?

It’s technically one of the better bases on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Fast internet, coworking spots, community and a expat / nomad scene. It balances modern infrastructure and local charm.

That said, I wasn’t a personal fan of Vallarta. Call me spoiled but coming from the Caribbean side, I was expecting a different ‘vibe’. On paper it had it all but I guess it was just not for me. Try it out and see how it feels to you!

I grew up in Cancun, and although I actually don’t like it that much lol, it still kinda the postcard child of Mexico and it’s worth the mention for a few reasons.

Cancun is the perfect place to either book an All Inclusive Resort or stay a few days and explore the other incredible places around the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula.

It’s perfect if you want things easy, organized, and stress free. From your hotel lobby you can hop on day trips to Mayan ruins, jungle adventures, cenotes, thematic and natural parks, and even charming little towns in Yucatan. For families, groups or anyone who prefers a structured vacation where everything is carved out for you, Cancun is a win.

Although, if you’re the kind of traveler who’d rather grab a backpack and wander through chaotic markets in an unfamiliar city, there are other places in Mexico more suitable for that.

Is Cancun a good base for Digital Nomads?

Not really. Cancun is a great entry point to Mexico (international flights often arrive to either Cancun or Mexico City, and it’s easy to get to all the major cities from here) but I would not recommend it for a long term base.

The city leans heavily toward short-term tourism, so the infrastructure and community for digital nomads is limited. There are some coffee shops to work from but there aren’t many nomad activities, the city is kind of spread around and it’s not very walkable so you’ll find yourself taking Ubers for everything (not to mention it can be super hot).

If you’re curious I would book the flight, stay a few days to check out the beach and then book the long term stay somewhere else more “nomad friendly” (see Playa del Carmen).

Playa, to me, is like Cancun’s cool cousin. It’s full of life and it mixes an interesting blend of chill beach vibes with decent night life. The fifth avenue (La Quinta Avenida) has a mix of cafés, coworking spaces, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping stores, all within walking distance from the beach.

It’s easy to mix lazy beach days with night life and excursions to cenotes, Cozumel, or Mayan ruins. It’s lively but not as hectic as Cancun plus you’ve got the energy of the “Fifth Ave” balanced by quiet corners and nearby escapes to take a break.

If you want convenience without the full “resort bubble,” (in comparison with Cancun) Playa works perfectly.

Is Playa del Carmen a good base for Digital Nomads?

Yes, Playa is a great base for Digital Nomads. It’s has all the comforts of a city with a beach town energy.

It also has an expat and nomad community making it easier to settle in. That said, Playa does have a bit of a transient feel (people come and go constantly) so if you’re looking for a slower more local experience you might find it is still pretty touristic.

Generally, for building connections and having everything within reach, it’s hard to beat. I stayed for a month and could easily consider coming back for a longer stay in the future, just make sure to avoid seaweed season.

To be honest, imo the golden days of Tulum are long gone. And no, I’m not talking about when Tulum was on the top five travel spots of your favorite influencer. I mean when Tulum was a small local town and a backpacker hideaway surrounded by empty beaches and real jungle.

Now, Tulum has become a chic and bohemian hot spot surrounded by boutique hotels, yoga retreats, electro music and pricey beach clubs (expensive in comparison with other Mexican destinations but you’ll find it okay if you’re coming from Europe or the U.S.)

It’s not all bad, it’s just different and as a local is hard to see. That said, I think it’s still worth the visit. Make sure to skip the seaweed season though.

If you’re after a curated, bohemian experience and electronic music, Tulum has it all. In comparison to other beach spots in Mexico, Tulum still has some of that small jungle town energy, especially nicer if you stay near the coastal road. Plus, it’s just a bike ride to the only Mayan ruins with ocean view so make sure you don’t skip that.

Is Tulum a good base for Digital Nomads?

I would say medium. The vibe is inspiring but the reality of working here can be tricky. Prices are high compared to nearby towns and coworking options are limited. It’s better for a short creative retreat than a long-term remote-work base.

If you do stay your best bet is in “La Veleta”. That’s where you’ll find more of a community and a local vibe. It’s also a quick motorbike ride to the beach side.

I stayed there for a month and although WiFi was always reliable in my Airbnb, there weren’t many café or coworking options so I felt kinda trapped working at home most of the time. If you don’t drive motorbike I would honestly choose a different city (see Bacalar).

San Miguel de Allende, aka the heart of Mexico. Its the kind of place that looks taken out of a painting: pastel colored houses, cobblestoned streets, and church spires that glow gold at sunset. It’s artsy, full of galleries, rooftop bars, and a big expat community.

It’s ideal if you’re looking for a mix of history, culture and art. Explore colonial architecture by day and enjoy rooftop dinners by night. It’s polished but still feels deeply Mexican.

When you’re there, check out El Charco del Ingenio, a botanical garden and nature reserve on the edge of town. It’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and escaping the tourist crowds.

Is San Miguel de Allende a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Yes. WiFi is pretty reliable, rentals are easy to find, and it does have an expat / creative scene. I’ve heard that the community may be more of an older crowd so consider that. It’s also pricier than other colonial towns and smaller compared to a big city.

Hillsides covered with colorful houses, narrow alleys twisting into hidden plazas and tunnels that run underneath the city like secret passegways. Guanajuato is youthful, colorful, and full of energy (thanks to its university and constant flow of festivals)

Guanajuato is just incredible. You step in, and in a second you’re experiencing the brightness of Mexico. Check for the Cervantino Festival for music and art if you’re interested in events. Also, make sure to hike up to El Pipila viewpoint at sunrise (before big tour groups arrive)

Is Guanajuato a good spot for Digital Nomads?

It’s not per se a digital nomad hub but it has all the infrastructure. It’s such an inspiring city to live and work for a while. It’s affordable, beautiful, young, and creative (expect to climb a lot of hills on your coffee breaks)

High in the Chiapas mountains, San Cristobal feels like a town caught between centuries. Similar to other mexican towns, it has cobblestoned streets and colorful markets. What makes it special are the indigenous traditions making it one of Mexico’s most culturally rich destinations.

The mountain air, the slow pace and each corner filled with history will really immerse you into a real cultural experience.

Is San Cristobal de las Casas a good spot for Digital Nomads?

WiFi won’t always be your bff but it’s manageable. The cultural richness makes up for it. In fact, many nomads stay longer than planned drawn in by the cost of living, community vibe, and inspiration from the surroundings.

Puebla is a city where history and flavor collide. Known for its beautiful architecture and legendary cuisine (it’s known by many Mexicans as one of the best foodie cities in Mex) it’s also the birthplace of mole poblano and home of the talavera tiles.

Spend your days exploring ornate churches, tasting traditional dishes (another big one among Mexicans are the “Cemitas”, make sure to try them in a market), and taking day trips to Cholula.

Is Puebla a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Puebla is a strong option if you want a city that’s not too big but not too small with reliable internet, affordable rents and plenty of cafés + good food. It’s also well connected for trips to Mexico City!

Queretaro is a modern city wrapped in colonial charm. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, similarly to many Mexican cities and towns it has cobblestoned streets, colorful plazas and baroque churches. A particularity is that Queretaro also has a booming business scene and polished neighborhoods. It’s safe, clean and increasingly popular.

Aside from exploring the historic center, make sure to escape to Peña de Bernal for a hike and check out the other Pueblos Magicos nearby.

Is Queretaron a good spot for Digital Nomads?

To be hones I personally have not been to Queretaro as a nomad yet, but asking around I’ve found that it’s considered a great spot for nomads since you get a great quality of life without the chaos of big cities plus a growing community in a city with fast reliable internet. So I’ll check it out and will update you when I do!

Tequisquiapan is a little town just an hour from Queretaro city (located in the state also named Queretaro). It’s a colonial Pueblo Magico known for its wine and thermal waters. Pastel colored streets, plazas with jacaranda trees and artisanal markets. Tequsquiapan is a beautiful town for a vineyard escape.

If you can, time your visit with the Wine Fair, usually around late spring.

Is Tequisquiapan a good spot for Digital Nomads?

It’s too small for a serious base, but a lovely spot to unplug or do light work for a few days between bigger trips. I think accommodation is more on the pricey side (for what you get) since it’s tailored for short-term tourism.

Morelia is one of those cities that quietly wins your heart. You can wander for hours, admire its colonial buildings and sip coffee in old courtyards. The city balances history, culture, and authenticity.

Visit for Día de Muertos (November 1 – 2) Nearby Patzcuaro and Janitzio islands host one of the most beautiful and authentic celebrations in Mexico. The cemeteries get dressed with the orange cempasuchil flower making it one of the most incredible traditions in Mexico.

Is Morelia a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Morelia is a city for slow living. The internet is good, housing is affordable and the atmosphere is peaceful (perfect for artsy and creative work) There aren’t many coworking spaces but there are plenty of cozy cafés.

Oaxaca is a city that gets under your skin in the best way. It has it all. It’s colorful, creative and deeply rooted in indigenous tradition. Every plaza hums with life and Mexican energy, all their festivals feel like an explosion of color and sound. You come for the food and stay for the way it makes you feel. It certainly changes the way you travel. At least, it did for me. Oaxaca is one of my favorite places in the world, and one of the reasons I’m proud of being Mexican.

It has world-class gastronomy, buzzing markets, colonial charms, nearby ruins, and most importantly, incredible people.

Take a colectivo to Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec weaving village about 30 mins away and make sure to visit a family-run workshop where artisans show you how they still use natural dyes for their tapestries. Or take la Ruta del Mezcal in Matatlán where you’ll learn how this delicious spirit is made while exploring agave fields (as in the picture).

It’s also one of the best places in Mexico to experience Día de Muertos!

Is Oaxaca a good spot for Digital Nomads?

If I didn’t have this intense itch for travel I would just move to Oaxaca. It’s one of Mexico’s most inspiring cities. And it’s great for nomading! The Wifi is reliable, the cost of living is fair and the creative energy is unmatched. If you do come, please get informed, stay for a moderate time, make sure to support the local economy and travel responsibly.

Merida is where colonial architecture meets Mayan culture and hot, sunny days. The city’s pastel mansions and leafy plazas tell stories of the past, while its markets and hidden cantinas dance to everyday life’s rhythm. Within a few hours you can reach cenotes, Mayan ruins and colonial Pueblos Magicos like Izamal and Valladolid. Evenings mean live music in plazas and some of Mexico’s most amazing dining experiences.

Take a colectivo to Homun for a cenote-hopping day trip!

Is Merida a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Merida is an amazing city and a great nomad base option since Wifi is reliable, housing is abundant and the community is welcoming. It’s less of a party hub and more of a place for people who seek culture, good weather and quality of life. The big downside is that it can get extremely hot even in winter time. So if you can handle warm evenings, Merida is for you.

Valladolid feels like the Yucatán of another time. It’s smaller and sleepier than Mérida but it’s a great spot for a short visit if you love culture. You can explore Chichen Itza, swim in nearby cenotes and return o a quiet evening in a pastel plaza with an ice-cold agua de chaya.

In my opinion, skip the tour buses and explore it at your own pace, head early to Cenote Suytun or Oxman arrive as early as you can for a surreal experience. Often, Valladolid gets paired with Cenote il kil, I would skip il kil since it has completely lost its natural charm plus it gets insufferably crowded.

Is Valladolid a good spot for Digital Nomads?

It’s too small for a long term base, but a lovely spot to unplug or do light work for a few days or even weeks. It’s good for slow travelers.

The “yellow town” of Yucatan, Izamal is famous because nearly every building is painted a deep mustard yellow giving the entire town a warm vibe. Its small, walkable, slow paced and the air smells of copal incense.

Climb the Kinich Kamó Pyramid before sunset. It offers a nice panoramic view and it’s free to enter.

Is Izamal a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Izamal’s charm is in its slowness. Wifi can be spotty. It’s not the best place for a nomad if you’re looking for community and infrastructure. If you just want a place to write, rest or get isolated in peace then give it a try.

It would not be a “best paces to visit in Mexico” list without the beautiful, culturally rich and chaotic Mexico City aka CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico). Street vendors mixed with world class restaurants, art galleries and graffiti, ancient ruins and colonial architecture, all around the same block.

The city holds centuries of history but never stops evolving. Each neighborhood is its own world: leafy and bohemian Coyoacan, colorful Roma Norte, edgy Juarez and the electric and buzzing Centro Historico.

CDMX is a cultural feast. You can spend a morning wandering through Frida Kahlo’s house or exploring the canals of Xochimilco, or your evenings screaming at the Lucha Libre while sipping beer.

Is Mexico City a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Totally, it has everything you need to work and live. Great internet, coworking spaces, countless cafés and a community that’s both creative and international. It’s an amazing base for long-term travel as long as you choose your neighborhood wisely.

Get an eco bici subscription ($25 USD for the whole year, it’s better than the monthly deal) and spend your Sunday evenings biking through Reforma.

Guadalajara is such a fascinating mix of tradition and innovation. Here’s where mariachi and tequila were born, yet it’s also one of Mexico’s fastest-growing creative and tech hubs with young neighborhoods with art galleries, crafts, and nightlife.

Take a day trip to the nearby town of Tequila. Beyond its distilleries, the agave fields themselves are UNESCO world heritage sites, and the blue-green landscape is breathtaking.

Is Guadalajara a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Totally! The city’s energy is creative and connected, with reliable infrastructure and an affordable cost of living.

Monterrey is industrial, innovative and surrounded by mountains. It’s modern Mexico with nature within reach. I personally haven’t traveled to Monterrey yet, I know it’s not your typical tourist stop but it rewards the curious that make it there. You can explore art museums, enjoy live music in Barrio Antiguo or drive out to natural spots like caves and waterfalls.

Is Monterrey a good spot for Digital Nomads?

Monterrey is great for those seeking a modern city, it leans more towards “urban professional” than “bohemian creative.” So if that’s your thing, give it a try.