Mexico Through the Lens

Mexico has much more to offer than the high-octane tourist destinations for which it has become famous. So extend your search outside Mexico City. Continue your exploration. Dare to delve a bit deeper into Mexico than what package vacations suggest are the most excellent spots to visit, and you’ll discover deserted coasts, ruins of ancient civilizations and tranquil national parks. Although choosing the most beautiful places to photograph in Mexico is subjective, here are my recommendations.

Gran Cenote, Tulum

The Gran Cenote is one of Mexico’s most famous—and most beautiful!—cenotes, and it is well worth a visit. Swimming, a massive cavern, caves and plenty of wooden platforms for reclining are all available at this cenote. If you don’t have a snorkel mask, you can rent one there—well, it’s worth it because what’s beneath the sea’s surface is almost as beautiful as what’s above it. If you want to have the place to yourself, come there early! By late morning, it is usually quite crowded.

Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla

Tourists sometimes disregard Puebla due to its proximity to Mexico City. It contains practically everything CDMX offers, but with a considerably more relaxed environment. The International Museum of Baroque Art is located here, demonstrating the city’s international clout. Puebla is a foodie’s paradise because of its cultural richness. If you want to try mexican dishes, try the classic mole or tacos arabes (Arab tacos), which Lebanese immigrants in Mexico invented. The best part of visiting Puebla is the abundance of great sites just outside the city. These excursions take you to the Cholula pyramids and offer breathtaking views of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes.

Casa Gilardi, Mexico City

Casa Gilardi is the stuff of Instagram dreams. This is one of the most vibrant pieces of architecture I’ve seen. It’s undoubtedly worth organizing a tour of the house before your trip to CDMX. It has pink and purple walls, a yellow hallway and a technicolor swimming pool. If those backgrounds aren’t enough to get your camera snapping away, I don’t know what will.

Cozumel

Most visitors to Cozumel come for a day excursion from the Mayan Riviera. However, the island boasts many all-inclusive resorts and hotels. This Caribbean Sea island has several lovely beaches and a protected lagoon with underwater caverns. Cozumel is also well-known for its fantastic diving along the Mesoamerican reef. Another popular underwater site is the Museo Subacuático de Arte, which features submerged sculptures. On land and under the sea, you can take amazing images.

Puerto Balandra, Baja California Sur

The stunning coastline is flanked by red mountains and has eight beaches and a blue lagoon. Balandra is located near the busy metropolis of La Paz, making it a wonderful escape from the noise and bustle of the city. The lagoon’s crystal clear water typically reaches 30° C and is ideal for discovering diverse marine life: corals and hundreds of colorful fish draw scuba divers. It’s also ideal for swimming and relaxing on the fine white sand. Balandra’s natural beauty is conserved, and no tourist facilities, besides a few restaurants and diving rentals, have been established. A gorgeous getaway that will have you taking photos at every turn.

Palacio Postal, Mexico City

Palacio Postal is the city’s principal post office, and despite its seemingly pointless function, the building is a beautiful Plateresque Revival masterpiece. It was built in the early twentieth century but restored in the 1990s to keep its original aspect. Remember to go inside and take some photos. The interior features an elegantly built ceiling supported by intimidating yet exquisite columns. You can see it all in the historic district near the city center.

Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan

The 15,000 acres of River Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in the Yucatan Peninsula will provide plenty of photo opportunities. This beautiful park comprises forests, dunes and mangroves and is home to Caribbean flamingos, sea turtles and 395 species of endangered birds. This is a lovely paradise for animal enthusiasts who wish to get up close and personal with beautiful nature. But, of course, we haven’t forgotten about you sun worshippers. There are also 60 kilometers of beach to explore, which is also a critical breeding spot for sea turtles.

Bottom line

Taking images is one of my favorite things to do while traveling. While many people claim that when you’re concentrating on your camera (or phone) lens, you miss out on the surroundings, I believe you notice details more. Walking along any street, I notice the colors, houses and decor. Because I know many people feel the same way, I compiled a list of my favorite sites to take beautiful photos. Do you agree with my choices? What would be on your list?