There's no denying the sheer beauty of a powder-soft Mexican beach. The vast, expansive stretches of sand backed by groves of languidly swaying palm trees are what put Mexico on the tourist map in the first place. Yes, Mexico's beaches are truly among the best in the world. But a closer look at its natural wonders will reveal that the country is home to so much more than its captivating coastline.
Mexico has some of the most diverse topography in the world. Its mountains max out at more than 18,000 feet, and its canyons are wider and deeper than our own most famous. It's a country of gushing waterfalls, raging rivers, alpine villages, deserts, and secret-laden jungles. The natural beauty that many travelers fly halfway around the world to see can be found right here on this continent, just a short flight away. With that mind mind, here are 10 stunning natural wonders in Mexico that are truly hidden gems.
Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca
The city of Oaxaca checks all the boxes when it comes to a dream Mexico vacation: cuisine, culture, history, and design. But just outside of the city of Oaxaca is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the entire country: Hierve el Agua, a petrified rock formation that gives the illusion of a cliffside gushing waterfall, perfectly frozen in time. At the top of the cliff, you'll find a series of natural mineral pools that overlook the green-carpeted mountains that undulate in every direction as far as the eye can see.
Hierve el Agua is the result of the calcification of natural springs that have been pushed to the edge of a cliff. The result is a mesmerizing optical illusion that appears as if a waterfall is paused while tumbling down the towering cliff.
The best way to visit this site is to rent a car or hire a driver to take you. Tour buses are another option. Tip: Go as early as possible to experience it all to yourself. Small shops and vendors are open near the entrance, in case you're craving a refreshing snack of fresh fruit dusted with tajin, a popsicle, or even an ice-cold beer. But what you're coming for here are the spectacular views, and perhaps an enviable Instagram snap or two.
Copper Canyon, Chihuahua
America's Grand Canyon is something spectacular. But did you know that Mexico has its own version that is arguably more profound? Known as Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), this massive system of plunging ravines is actually the culmination of six different canyons that run across the northwestern part of Mexico.
Spanning more than 25,000 square miles, this canyon is even larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S. The canyons have been carved by six different rivers that all empty out into the Gulf of California. And it gets its name from the rust-colored walls that tower high above the river-carved ravines.
To visit the canyons, book a ticket along the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico railway, otherwise known as El Chepe. The stunning rail route follows the trail along the main canyon, traversing suspended bridges and hugging the cliffs that overlook the sheer drops down into the valleys. Ride the route in its entirety, or get off at stops along the way to hike or explore the communities that have lived in this part of Mexico for centuries.
Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas
Mexico's state of Chiapas is a natural wonder all on its own, with misty, cool mountains and thick, steamy jungles. Descending from the lofty peak that is the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, travelers zigzag down a mountain path to reach the plunging valley of the Sumidero Canyon.
This natural canyon was carved by the Grijalva River, with 3,000-foot towering rock walls on either side. The site was declared a national park in the 1980s, and it's no wonder why. The views from the six lookout points along the canyon's rim are simply breathtaking.
Perhaps the most popular way to explore the canyon is via a boat tour that meanders down the river, allowing visitors to gape up at the imposing rock walls. But those who opt out of a boat tour can still make the most of this park with hiking, kayaking, and rappelling. Keep in mind that you'll likely still need a guide because the park is teeming with precarious yet beautiful wildlife, like jaguars, crocodiles, and rattlesnakes.
Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur
Keep your ears to the ground in the next few years — you'll start to hear more and more about the city of La Paz. Poised on the Sea of Cortez, the capital of Baja California Sur is slowly gaining momentum to become one of the best destinations to visit in Mexico. And while you're there, you are going to want to schedule in some time to visit Isla Espiritu Santo.
The island looks like it's out of the pages of a sci-fi novel. Copper-colored mountainous spines rise out of a calm, turquoise sea. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and national park offers some truly beautiful views, where stark desert sits atop one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems.
You won't see hotels on Espiritu Santo — that would completely ruin the vibe. Instead, you'll find dive sites, natural reefs, and sunken ships. Calm, languidly lapping water makes the perfect palette for stand-up paddleboarding, while miles of hiking trails arch up and over the rusty ridges for views in every direction.