20 Breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico That Will Leave You Speechless!

Mexico currently has 35 locations designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The sites range from those with cultural importance, natural spaces, and those combining the two. Mexico has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the Americas, creating a huge draw for tourists. Each attraction is carefully preserved, allowing their significance to Mexican culture to be continually researched, explored and celebrated. A visit to any of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites will be breathtaking, eye opening and educational in equal measure. Many of the sites have historical significance, not just for Mexico and the Americas, but for how as humans we have developed, survived and thrived over the centuries. Here are 20 of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you should explore.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico

1- Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque

Dating from the 16th century, the Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque is a vastly important part of Mexico’s history, and a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country.

The aqueduct forms part of a larger heritage canal system that combines a number of canals, springs and of course aqueduct bridges.

Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque has the highest single-level arcade aqueduct, an aqueduct that features numerous hollow arches throughout its structure, outside of Europe.

Padre Tembleque, a 16th century Friar, had the aqueduct built with the help of indigenous communities.

Its construction was inspired by the Roman aqueducts and hydraulic systems combined with traditional construction techniques found in Mesoamerica at the time.

Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque is at 55978 Hidalgo, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Private Sightseeing Tour in Teotihuacan with Licensed Guide

2- Archaeological Monuments, Zone of Xochicalco

Zone of Xochicalco is one of the best preserved archeological monuments in Mexico.

The archeological site is formed of a range of buildings and structures creating a religious and commercial centre that thrived between 650 and 900 AD.

Xochicalco was founded in the 7th century set amongst lush green hills.

Inside the city, and still remaining today are examples of early engineering works including retaining walls, spacious platforms jutting out from the hillside, and vast pyramid all designed to protect its inhabitants.

When visiting this spectacular archeological site walk along the inclined Ramp of the Animals, to see surviving examples of animal engravings along the edge of the path.

Archaeological Monuments, Zone of Xochicalco is at Carretera Federal Xochicalco, Tetlama S/N, 62609 Miacatlan, Mor, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Private Day Tour of Xochicalco Archaeological Site and Cuernavaca

3- Earliest 16th Century Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl

One of the most important and significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico are the Earliest 16th century Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl.

This incredible series of buildings, totalling 15 parts, lie across Morelos, Puebla and Tlaxcala.

These remarkably well-preserved monasteries show a range of architectural styles including those from the first Franciscan missionaries to arrive in Mexico.

One of the most beautiful areas of the monasteries are their great atria’s; large open spaces that surround the perimeter of the church.

Earliest 16th century Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl is at Popocatepetl, Mexico.

4- El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City

El Tajin was once a thriving Pre-Hispanic City in Veracruz.

The city became the centre of the north-east Mesoamerican region after the Teotihuacan Empire fell.

The ruins of the city are remarkably preserved, and offer extensive insights into the architecture of the city and the lives of the people who called it home.

The most impressive building within El Tajin is the Pyramid of the Niches.

Pyramid of the Niches is considered by many to be a masterpiece in architecture from the period and closely aligns with the astronomical significance of knowledge from the day.

El Tajin is at Veracruz, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Tajin Ruins Day Trip and Vanilla Factory Experience

5- Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

Another important historical and archaeological site with UNESCO World Heritage Status is Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco.

The Spanish built the city of Xochimilco during the 16th century on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old capital of the Aztec.

The area is filled with a range of archaeological finds and buildings dating from the Aztec period of 1300 to 1500, as well as more recent structures from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The earliest remains found at the site are from an extensive network of canals and artificial islands built by the Aztecs.

Within the site are the ruins of five Aztec temples and the largest cathedral in South America.

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco is at Centro, Mexico City, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Tour of Xochimilco and The World of Frida Kahlo

6- Historic Centre of Morelia

The 16th century historical centre of Morelia is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico.

The centre was built during the Spanish Renaissance and as such has incredible examples of architecture and landscape design from the time.

The centre also incorporates influences from the areas Mesoamerican history.

Throughout the historic centre of Morelia the streets remain as they did when it was first built, and are lined with more than 200 historical buildings all made from local pink stone.

Historic Centre of Morelia is at 58000 Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Paricutin Volcano Tour (Morelia)

7- Hospicio Cabanas, Guadalajara

Dating back to the early 19th century, Hospicio Cabanas was founded as a hospital to provide care and treatment for the elderly, orphans and those with chronic illnesses.

Manuel Tolsa, the architect behind the hospital, designed the building to incorporate Neoclassical design across its vast footprint.

The hospital seamlessly integrated buildings and outdoor spaces creating a pleasing and comforting environment for those who were recuperating within its walls.

Hospicio Cabanas gained further acclaim during the 1930s when renowned Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco adorned the chapel with 57 frescoes.

Today the hospital houses the Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the Cabanas Cultural Institute.

Hospicio Cabanas is at C. Cabanas 8, Las Fresas, 44360, Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico.

Recommended tour: Private Tour Guadalajara Historic Center and Tlaquepaque from Mexico City

8- Luis Barragan, House and Studio

Luis Barragan, an architect from Mexico, built the house that today serves as a museum to his life and works in 1948.

The building is made from concrete and is modest in size, with a ground floor, two upper floors and a private garden.

Barragan was well-known for his modern works that intertwine with traditional forms of art and design.

The architect was inspired by the use of water in Mediterranean and Islamic homes and buildings, and incorporated this into the design of his house.

Today the building serves as a museum to Barragan and his life’s work, and is preserved to replicate the building as it was when he was alive.

Luis Barragan, House and Studio is at Gral. Francisco Ramírez 12, Ampliación Daniel Garza, Amp Daniel Garza, Miguel Hidalgo, 11840 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

9- Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is one of the best examples of Mayan architecture and life in Mexico.

The city of Palenque was at its height between 500 and 700 AD.

Palenque is filled with incredible examples of Mayan sculpted reliefs carved into its buildings.

These carvings typically depict tales from Mayan mythology.

Palenque and its surrounding National Park cover a vast site of 1780 hectares with around 1400 buildings recorded, yet only 10% of the site and its ruins have been fully explored.

The buildings in Palenque were unique in style for the time, as they emphasise natural light and harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.

Inside the buildings are stucco scenes found on walls, ceilings and columns, and spacious vaulted galleries.

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is at Carretera a Palenque- Zona Archaeologica Km. 8, 29960 Palenque, Chis., Mexico.

10- Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca

Take a step back in time and explore the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca.

The caves are nestled in the hills along the northern slopes of the Tlacolula Valley.

In the valley are a collection of prehistoric caves and primitive rock shelters, the discovery of which has lead to many significant archaeological finds about the people that once lived there.

Some of the most significant finds include the discovery of Cucurbitaceae seeds and corn cob fragments found in a cave that are the earliest example of both farming and the growth of maize.

Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca is at 70403 Oaxaca, Mexico.

11- Protective Town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco

Protective Town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco is a 16th century fortified town with important religious and historical buildings throughout.

The town was developed further during the 18th century when its architecture became heavily influenced by the Baroque and Neoclassical movements, creating Mexican Baroque.

Outside if of the town is the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco, an incredibly beautiful church with important architectural significance.

Father Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro built the sanctuary in the 18th century following his vision of Jesus in a crown of thorns and carrying a cross.

The main chapel is filled with incredible examples of Mexican Baroque style including the mural work surrounding the nave.

Protective Town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno de Atotonilco is at Canal 46, Zona Centro, 37700 San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico.

12- Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza

Perhaps one of the best known archeological, historical and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico is the Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza.

This remarkable ruin is of an ancient Maya city and spans 4 spare miles (10 square kilometres).

Located in Yucatan, the central state of Mexico, Chichen-Itza is believed to be an important centre for religion, politics and commerce.

The city thrived for around 1000 years and was used not only by the Maya, but the Toltecs too.

Within the city are examples of both civilisations views of the world, including depictions of their understanding of the universe.

Despite its significant age, many buildings within the city have survived, with Warriors Temple and the El Caracol circular observatory remarkably well-preserved.

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza is at 97751 Yucatan, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Chichen Itza Tour

13- Historic Centre of Puebla

Founded in 1531, the historical centre of Puebla sits at the foot of Popocatepetl, a volcano.

The historical centre is filled with colourful buildings and religious structures dating to the 16th and 17th centuries.

One of its most significant buildings is the cathedral, and the palace of the archbishop.

As well as colourfully painted houses and buildings, the historical centre is also filled with buildings covered in brightly coloured tiles called azulejos.

Using these tiles in their architecture allowed the city to integrate designs and styles that were popular in Europe during the Baroque period.

A culturally significant site in the city is the Palafox Library.

Built in 1646, the library was the first in the Americas and is home to more than 45,000 books from the 15th century to today.

Historic Centre of Puebla is at 72000 Puebla.

14- Pre-Hispanic City of Uxmal

The Pre-Hispanic City of Uxmal was founded in 700AD and was a bustling Mayan centre.

The town had a population of around 25,000 inhabitants who were renowned for their knowledge of astronomy.

Examples of the Mayan’s knowledge of astronomy within Uxmal can be found in the Pyramid of the Soothsayer.

Unusually, and in comparison to other towns and cities of the time, Uxmal is not laid out in a geometric fashion, instead designing its building placement and street layouts to reflect astronomy including the path of Venus.

The city is also filled with many statues of gods worshipped by the Maya including many depicting Chaac the rain-god.

Pre-Hispanic City of Uxmal is at 97884 Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico.

15- Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco

Perhaps the most ancient of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico is the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco which date from 100BC to 1300AD.

Across the Sierra de San Francisco mountain range are numerous rock paintings, collating to form one of the largest sites of prehistoric rock paintings in the world.

The rock paintings were drawn by a group of peoples who have since disappeared, however their paintings are amongst the most important and best-preserved examples of rock paintings in the world.

The dry climate of the area is credited with their preservation.

Many of the rock paintings are done in reds, whites, blacks and yellows and depict human figures, marine life and fauna.

Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco is at 23988 Baja California Sur, Mexico.

16- Archipelagio de Revillagigedo

In the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico lies the Archipelago de Revillagigedo.

The archipelago is made from four islands and the waters surrounding them, offering protections to the wildlife in both the water and on the land.

The protected land and waters span 636,658 hectares which includes 12 nautical miles of protected waters.

The islands and the waters within the archipelago support a range of species including manta rays, whales and sharks.

On land there are a variety of protected sea birds which are globally threatened including Masked Bookies, Red-Billed Tropicbirds and Magnificent Frigatebirds.

Archipelagio de Revillagigedo is at Colima, Mexico.

17- El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Another spectacular natural landscape with UNESCO World Heritage status in Mexico is El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve.

The reserve covers 714,566 hectares of volcanic land and deserts.

In its vast desert landscape are ever moving sand dunes that sometimes reach as high as 200m (656ft).

Inside the biosphere are protected species of plants including cacti, birds, mammals and reptiles.

One of the most important species found within this landscape is the Sonoran Pronghorn, an endangered species that is found in the reserve and the Sonoran desert only.

The landscape is also home to 10 vast and perfectly circular craters that are believed to be remnants of former volcanic eruptions and other geological events.

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is at Carretera Sonoyta-Puerto Penasco, Km 51 Ejido Los Nortenos, 83550, Puerto Penasco, Son., Mexico.

18- Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Nestled amongst rugged mountains is a sanctuary for monarch butterflies.

The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve covers 56,259 hectares of forested and mountainous landscape creating the perfect year-round haven for butterflies.

During the autumn months, millions of butterflies congregate in the reserve having travelled from across the Americas, stretching as far as Canada.

The butterflies rest on the trees creating a truly magnificent and unique sight, transforming each tree into a blaze of yellow, orange and black.

There are so many butterflies returning to the reserve that the branches of the trees they rest on actually bend with their weight.

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is at Michoacan, Mexico.

Recommended tour: Monarch Butterfly: Biosphere Reserve & Christmas Tour in Mexico

19- Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

Along the central section of the Baja California is the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino.

This coastal lagoon ecosystem is an important reproduction ground for grey whales, harbour seals and blue whales who arrive in the region during the winter.

The lagoons within the sanctuary are also habitats for four endangered species of marine turtle.

Many of the species within the whale sanctuary were nearly driven to extinction during the times of commercial whaling.

Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino is at Av. Profesor Domingo Carballo Félix, Marcelo Rubio Ruiz S/N, 23940 Guerrero Negro, B.C.S., Mexico.

20- Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archeological Site of Monte Alban

The Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archeological Site of Monte Alban are vastly important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.

The site was inhabited by the Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs over a period of 1500 years.

The archeological site uncovered a vast array of engineering works created by the civilisations including dams, terraces and pyramids.

Oaxaca itself was founded in 1529 and is an excellent example of a 16th century colonial city, with its squares and close location to the river.

Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archeological Site of Monte Alban is at Ignacio Bernal S/N, 71233 San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Oax., Mexico.

Recommended tour: Private Tour, Monte Alban, Alebrijes & Atzompa ceramic

For more UNESCO World Heritage sites read:

• 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites To See Before You Die!
• 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In USA
• 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Europe
• 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Asia
• 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In South America
• 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Mexico