Mexico’s Top Trending Destinations for 2026

Image: Xel Ha in Riviera Maya, Mexico (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Image: Xel Ha in Riviera Maya, Mexico (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu December 25, 2025

According to the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report, luxury travel appears to be continuing the resilient streak it’s been on since the pandemic and next year’s lux travel demand will remain high.

Comfortable climates, less crowded destinations, wellness travel, slow travel, multi-generational trips and cultural immersion are all trending in the New Year. It just so happens that Mexico is a country diverse enough, that can deliver the goods due to the variety of experiences available to the traveler that extend beyond more popular destinations such as Cancun and Los Cabos.

Here are some destinations luring travelers in 2026.

 

Visit Baja California Sur: Loreto

(Courtesy of Baja California Sur)

Loreto

Baja Sur’s hidden gem is becoming less of a secret as more travelers seek destinations that are more remote, less crowded and offer many opportunities to connect with nature.

Loreto’s pristine white sand beaches, scenic vistas, “desert meets the ocean” surroundings and miles of protected islands and waters draw outdoor lovers like moths to a flame, and those who need to escape from the daily chaos of life. This under the radar destination comes highly recommended by travel advisors for travelers looking for a relatively unexplored paradise. Those visiting from December to April will be treated to sightings of majestic gray, humpback and blue whales migrating to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez.

Riviera Maya

Situated along the Caribbean coastline in the eastern portion of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya encompasses an 80-mile stretch running from Cancun south to the Mayan ruins of Tulum.

The region’s lush tropical jungles, soft white beaches caressed by tourmaline waters and mystique of its Mayan ruins and magical cenotes continues to be a siren call to travelers.

All-inclusive resorts continue to dot the oceanfront landscapes giving visitors a variety of places that best meet their travel budget. Kristy Mosolino, co-owner of Wishes Travel said, “The demand for this destination remains high for any type of traveler, from couples and families to multigenerational groups with plenty of options to choose from.”

Riviera Nayarit

While Puerto Vallarta remains a popular travel destination, Riviera Nayarit (formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta), offers a more relaxed, spacious, and nature-focused experience with over 200 miles of stunning coastline.

This stunning state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast just north of Puerto Vallarta offers a captivating blend of magnificent beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant cultural experiences and surrounding small town hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

The region has continued to grow in infrastructure and services, investing almost $176 million in Puerto Vallarta International Airport expansion. New resorts opening in 2025 include Fiesta Americana Nuevo Vallarta and the luxurious Rosewood Mandarina.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. (Photo Credit: simonmayer/Adobe)

San Miguel de Allende

Cobblestone streets wind past pastel-colored buildings that look like a virtual painting in this central Mexico colonial gem. Known for its stunning colonial architecture, old-world atmosphere and as a popular arts and culture hub, San Miguel de Allende offers a slower, more refined pace than big cities or beach towns, designated as one of the best spring break destinations to avoid the crowds. The town was also noted as one of Mexico’s best locations to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been named the friendliest city in the world and offers visitors authentic Mexico experiences, a very walkable historic center, rooftop dining, artisan markets and day trips to hot springs, vineyards and small pueblos.

 

La ruta del vino del Valle de Guadalupe, en Baja California, es de los destinos más disfrutables del planeta. (Photo via: T.Tseng/Flickr).

La ruta del vino del Valle de Guadalupe, en Baja California, es de los destinos más disfrutables del planeta. (Photo via: T.Tseng/Flickr).

Valle de Guadalupe

Valle de Guadalupe in sunny Baja, is a premier, somewhat off-the-beaten-trek wine region producing almost 90 percent of all Mexican wines. Only a few-hours’ drive from San Diego and 30-plus minutes from the Ensenada coast, the “Valle” as the locals call the area is one of the fastest growing wine regions in North America, producing some of the finest award-winning varietals earning well-deserved international acclaim such as El Cielo Winery and Resort, Monte Xanic, Casa de Piedra and Adobe Guadalupe.

Mexican artisan and boutique wineries are scattered throughout this picturesque valley surrounded by boulder-stacked mountains. Add in a myriad of new creative chef-driven farm-to-table restaurants and accommodations ranging from quaint bed and breakfasts to eco-lofts built into the sloping hillsides, it's no surprise that more and more visitors are discovering the allure of this spectacular wine region.

New wine country resort openings in 2025 include Dream Valle de Guadalupe and Live Aqua.


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