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Best traditional destinations in North America

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Yucatán
Gateway to the Mayan world
8.5
Hot and humid for much of the year, this region is most comfortable from November to April. Maya ruins such as Chichén Itzá and Uxmal stand in the jungle. Many villages still speak Yucatec Maya. Families cook in earth ovens for Hanal Pixán, the local Day of the Dead.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the ancient ruins at Uxmal Archaeological Zone
  • 💧 Swim in the beautiful, crystal-clear Cenote Ik Kil
  • 🏯 Explore the iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá
Chichicastenango
Ancient Market with Vibrant Mayan Culture
6.9
K'iche' Maya people have traded in this highland town for centuries. The church of Santo Tomás was built around 1540 on a Maya temple platform. Worshippers burn incense on its steps. The market on Thursdays and Sundays fills the square with textiles, masks, flowers and food.
Highlights:
  • 🕯️ Discover the ancient sacred Pascual Abaj Mayan shrine nearby
  • ⛪ Visit Santo Tomas Church blending Mayan and Catholic traditions
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Mercado Santo Tomás with colorful textiles
San Cristóbal de las Casas
Colonial Charm Meets Indigenous Culture
6.7
Spanish settlers founded this highland town in 1528. It sits at about 2,200 metres. Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya families from nearby villages sell weavings in the market. The church at San Juan Chamula hosts Maya rituals. Photos are not allowed inside. Local amber is carved into jewellery.
Highlights:
  • 🧶 Walk through cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops
  • ⛪ Admire the baroque architecture of Santo Domingo Church
  • 🛍️ Explore the colorful markets at Santo Domingo Square
Santa Fe (New Mexico)
Ancient adobe charm meets artistic soul
7.5
As the capital of New Mexico, this city sits at about 2,100 metres and was founded in 1610. Adobe buildings surround the central plaza. Native American artists sell silver jewellery and pottery under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. Red and green chile season the local food.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and explore her iconic works
  • 🏡 Admire traditional adobe architecture along Canyon Road
  • 🎨 Stroll through the historic Santa Fe Plaza and browse local art
Antigua Guatemala
Colonial Charm and Volcanic Views
7.5
Located in the highlands between three volcanoes, this town keeps its Spanish colonial streets and church ruins. Holy Week processions are the highlight of the year. Families make carpets of coloured sawdust and flowers along the route. Weavers and jade carvers sell traditional crafts in the market.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the ruins of the historic Antigua Cathedral
  • 🥾 Hike Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic city views
  • 🌉 Snap a photo under the iconic Santa Catalina Arch
Oaxaca
Colonial Charm and Rich Traditions
7.5
Compared with Mexico City, this city is smaller and closer to Indigenous traditions. Zapotec and Mixtec cultures remain strong in nearby villages. Teotitlán del Valle weavers dye wool rugs with natural colours. Mole negro and mezcal are local classics. Black pottery comes from San Bartolo Coyotepec.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Relax in the colorful Oaxaca Botanical Garden
  • ⛪ Marvel at the Baroque Templo de Santo Domingo
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán
Mérida
Colonial charm and Yucatán culture
7.1
On Sundays the central streets of this city close to cars. Families stroll to markets, music and dancing around the Plaza Grande. Many locals wear the guayabera, a light shirt with pleats. Yucatec dishes such as cochinita pibil are slow cooked pork wrapped in banana leaf.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the interactive Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
  • ⛪ Explore the impressive Mérida Cathedral in Plaza Grande
  • 🌳 Stroll along historic Paseo de Montejo boulevard
Guanajuato
Colorful alleys and silver history
6.9
As a former silver mining region, this part of central Mexico has colonial mansions and winding hillside streets. Guanajuato city and its old mines are a UNESCO site. Underground tunnels carry traffic beneath the old centre. The Cervantino arts festival fills the city each October.
Highlights:
  • 🚇 Explore the tunnels and underground streets of historic Guanajuato
  • 🌆 Admire the view from the Pipila Monument overlooking the city
  • 💋 Wander through the colorful alleys and balconies of Callejón del Beso
San Miguel de Allende
Colonial Charm with Artistic Soul
7.1
Artistic and proud of its local customs, this town marks its patron saint each September with Alborada, fireworks at dawn. Day of the Dead brings altars and flower paths in the streets. Artisans make tin ornaments, glass and paper mache figures. A pink church dominates the main plaza.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Explore vibrant art galleries at Fabrica La Aurora
  • 🌳 Stroll through the colorful Jardín Allende plaza
  • ⛪ Admire the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
Puebla
Mexico's Underrated Cultural Gem
6.9
Set in a high valley southeast of Mexico City, this city is known for Talavera tiles on churches. Mole poblano, a rich chilli and chocolate sauce, is a local speciality. A famous battle against French troops in 1862 is remembered every 5 May. The old centre is a UNESCO site.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the iconic Puebla Cathedral, a UNESCO site
  • 🏙️ Walk through Puebla’s lively Zócalo and vibrant streets
  • ⛪ Explore the stunning Capilla del Rosario with gilded interiors
Havana
Vibrant Streets, Timeless Rhythms
7.3
The dry season runs from November to April in this city, with highs near 27 degrees Celsius. Old Havana has Spanish squares, church towers and UNESCO listed streets. Classic American cars from the 1950s still serve as taxis. Cigars are rolled by hand in factories.
Highlights:
  • 🗼 Visit the historic José Martí Memorial tower
  • 🌅 Watch sunset along the famous Malecón promenade
  • 🏘️ Stroll through colorful streets of Old Havana
Guadalajara
Mariachi, murals and modern flair
7.3
Proud of its customs, this city is linked to mariachi music, tequila and charrería, the Mexican rodeo. Both mariachi and charrería are on UNESCO's intangible heritage lists. Tlaquepaque and Tonalá sell hand blown glass and painted pottery. Try tortas ahogadas, pork sandwiches in spicy sauce.
Highlights:
  • 🎭 Stroll through vibrant Plaza de Armas with street performances
  • 🖼️ Explore the stunning murals at Instituto Cultural Cabañas
  • ⛪ Visit the magnificent Guadalajara Cathedral in the historic center
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