Mexico doesn’t enjoy the best reputation internationally, and people that do visit tend to stick to the tried and tested resort-heavy areas like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. But step a little off the well-worn track and you’ll discover a country full of captivating culture, fascinating history, and incredible natural beauty. Here are 5 must-visit places in Mexico.

Bacalar

The small town of Bacalar lies on the edge of a vast lake of the same name and has become a popular getaway destination for those in the know. Nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colours owing to the many different hues of blue and green on show in the water, Bacalar is a spot that boasts stunning natural splendour.

You can enjoy all manner of activities on the water during the day, from swimming and kayaking to paddle boarding and jet skiing, and in the evening chill out in the laid-back restaurants and bars that surround the town’s main square.

Mexico City

One of the world’s greatest megacities with over 21 million residents within its boundaries, Mexico City can be overwhelming. But once you get used to the hustle and bustle, you’ll find that it’s a diverse, complicated, and fascinating city with great street food, captivating culture and history, and endless things to do.

Trendy areas like Roma and Condesa are full of cool coffee shops and bars and great for a night out. Centro Historico is packed full of eye-catching examples of colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century and museums on virtually every street. Or for a more laid-back vibe head to Coyoacan which is like a small town within the city.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca has come to be known as one of Mexico’s premier gastronomic destinations, with foodies descending from all over the world to sample the unique cuisine on offer here. In particular, the saucy dish of mole, and the unusual snack of fried grasshoppers are associated with this city, but the markets are bursting with all manner of interesting delicacies.

Oaxaca also renowned for its huge Day of the Dead festivities. Far more than a single day of celebration, they go on for over a fortnight with a full programme of activities each day ranging from street parades to outdoor plays.

Mazunte

This tiny fishing village on Mexico’s Pacific coast is a little-known slice of paradise. It’s the kind of place that people come to visit and never get round to leaving, with a community made up of fishermen, surfers, and hippies from both Mexico and beyond.

Mazunte is laid back and rustic making it an ideal retreat for a quiet break. The beaches here are some of the finest in the country with wide stretches of golden sand flanked by mountains and rolling hills covered in virtually untouched lush, green jungle.

The Copper Canyon

Made up of an interconnected group of six separate canyons, The Copper Canyon is the name given to this entire network of crevices found in the state of Chihuahua. Deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S., The Copper Canyon is easily its equal when it comes to magnificence.

The views over the gorges are nothing short of awe-inspiring and they can be explored by foot, on horseback, or on all-terrain vehicles. But by far the most popular way to get a view of the region is on the Copper Canyon train which winds through some of the most epic landscapes in the country.