The Best of Mexico Awards, presented annually by México Desconocido magazine in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, celebrate the best tourism destinations and experiences across the country. This year’s winners were announced during the 2025 Tianguis Turístico, held in Baja California.
A particularly special recognition was given to Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, Secretary of Tourism in Baja California, for his leadership and the success of the “Corazones Viajeros” initiative. This program, designed to bring social tourism to the people of Baja California, offers residents the chance to take part in guided excursions and stays, discovering the diverse wonders the state has to offer.
Here are the finalists and winners of each category:
Best Immersive Archaeological Adventure
- A magical night at Chichén Itzá (Yucatán)
- Jungle exploration in Calakmul (Campeche)
- Palenque, waterfalls and rivers (Chiapas) – Winner
Best Beach to Discover in 2025
- Zipolite (Oaxaca)
- Lo de Marcos (Nayarit) – Winner
- Mahahual (Quintana Roo)
Best Magical Town for a Romantic Getaway
- Cuetzalan (Puebla) – Winner
- Todos Santos (Baja California Sur)
- Tequisquiapan (Querétaro)
Best City for a Destination Wedding
- Oaxaca (Oaxaca)
- San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato) – Winner
- Morelia (Michoacán)
Best Mountain Retreat in a Magical Town
- Tlatlauquitepec (Puebla)
- Pinal de Amoles (Querétaro)
- Creel (Chihuahua) – Winner
State with the Most Iconic Dish
- Carnitas (Michoacán) – Winner
- Aguachile (Sinaloa)
- Chile en Nogada (Puebla)
Best Magical Town for a Family Vacation
- Cozumel (Quintana Roo)
- Compostela (Nayarit)
- Xilitla (San Luis Potosí) – Winner
Best Wellness Experience
- Tepoztlán (Morelos)
- Los Azufres (Michoacán)
- Bacalar (Quintana Roo) – Winner
Best Place to Reconnect with Nature
- El Cielo Reserve (Tamaulipas) – Winner
- Basaseachic National Park (Chihuahua)
- El Ocote Reserve (Chiapas)
Best Community Tourism Experience
- Feel the warmth of the Wixárika people (Nayarit) – Winner
- Dive into Maya culture (Yucatán)
- Discover Rarámuri traditions (Chihuahua)
Best Nature Destination for Adventure
- Sótano de Popócatl (Veracruz)
- Nombre de Dios Caves (Chihuahua) – Winner
- Playa del Toro (Nayarit)
Best Celebration of Cultural Traditions
- Chiapa de Corzo’s Fiesta Grande (Chiapas)
- K’uínchekua (Michoacán) – Winner
- Calaveras Festival (Aguascalientes)
Best Culinary Route
- Cheese and Wine Route (Querétaro)
- Tequila Route (Jalisco) – Winner
- Wine Route (Baja California)
Best Animal Encounter Experience
- Whale watching in the Gulf of California (Baja California Sur)
- Firefly sanctuary tour (Tlaxcala)
- Monarch butterfly migration (Michoacán) – Winner
Best State for a Road Trip (in collaboration with PASE)
- Puebla
- Nayarit – Winner
- Baja California
Best Destination for Meetings, Conventions, and Business (in collaboration with Alto Nivel magazine and Encore)
- Guadalajara (Jalisco)
- Riviera Nayarit (Nayarit)
- Mexico City (Mexico City)
Baja California Finalists
Best Culinary Route: Baja California’s Wine Route
Baja California is a state rich in culture and natural wonders that continue to attract locals and visitors. One of its most beloved highlights is La ruta del vino, the Wine Route, which begins in Tijuana and winds through Tecate to the heart of Valle de Guadalupe. This Mediterranean-climate corridor, with its ideal altitude and fertile soil, is known for producing world-class wines that have earned international acclaim.
The valleys of Guadalupe, Calafia, and San Antonio de las Minas host around 90% of Mexico’s wine production.
Winemaking in Valle de Guadalupe dates to the 18th century, when Jesuit missionaries first planted vines in the region. The industry truly flourished in the 1980s, when local producers began experimenting with international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, and Chardonnay.
Today, the region is home to over 100 wineries and is often referred to as the “Napa Valley of Mexico.”
Best State for Road Trips: Baja California
Baja California’s roads are as diverse as its landscapes. From scenic coastal drives to desert mountain passes, each route offers a unique adventure:
Transpeninsular Highway: Spanning the entire state from north to south, this road showcases sweeping landscapes and changing scenery unlike any other in the country.
Tijuana–Ensenada Scenic Highway: One of the most breathtaking routes in Mexico, this highway hugs the Pacific coast, offering ocean views, cliffs, hidden beaches, and quick access to Rosarito and the Valle de Guadalupe.
Wine Route at Valle de Guadalupe: While not a single highway, this network of rural roads links dozens of wineries and boutique vineyards across Ensenada, creating a rustic, elegant journey through rolling hills.
La Rumorosa Highway: Known for its dramatic switchbacks and surreal rock formations, this iconic road offers unforgettable views of the Mexicali Valley and the surrounding desert.
