How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Mexico?

Mexico has 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 29 cultural, 6 natural and 2 mixed.

What was the first World Heritage Site in Mexico?

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco was inscribed in 1987. Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital, Mexico City is now one of.

What is the newest World Heritage Site in Mexico?

Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé), inscribed in 2025. The Wixárika Route is a serial property of 20 sites, spanning over 500 km across five states in north-central.

Which sites in Mexico are natural World Heritage Sites?

6 of the 37 listings are natural: Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Sian Ka'an and Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino.

Which UNESCO sites in Mexico are easiest to reach?

Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Mexico.

What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Mexico?

The 37 UNESCO-listed sites above are Mexico's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco (1987). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.

Is there a map of Mexican World Heritage Sites?

Yes — the map on this page plots all 37 Mexican UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.

What is the best itinerary for visiting UNESCO sites in Mexico?

Yucatán Maya Circuit (8 days, based in Mérida and Campeche); Colonial Highlands Loop (9 days, based in Mexico City, Guanajuato and Oaxaca); Wildlife & Wild Coast (10 days, based in Baja California and Quintana Roo). Each route links the inscriptions that sit closest together, with practical notes on timing and transport.

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico

Mexican World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in Mexico map · historical landmarks in Mexico

Mexico has 37 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 29 cultural, 6 natural and 2 mixed inscriptions, inscribed between 1987 and 2025. This map of UNESCO sites in Mexico covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.

Mexican World Heritage Sites range from Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila onwards; Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco was the country's first inscription, added in 1987; Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé) is the most recent, listed in 2025; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations, wild places and lost cities.

Start with Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila, Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche and Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.

Sites: 37
Cultural: 29
Natural: 6
Mixed: 2
First inscribed: 1987

Sites on the map

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Flying in

Airports closest to the most sites in this country.

MEXMexico City4 sites
TQOTulum3 sites
PBCPuebla3 sites
QROQuerétaro3 sites
GDLGuadalajara2 sites
NLUMexico City2 sites

Prints from Mexico

Chichén Itzá

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Plan the trip

Top highlights & itineraries in Mexico

Mexico's heritage list combines Mesoamerican cities, Spanish colonial centres and exceptional natural reserves. Two natural routes stand out: the Yucatán Maya circuit and the central colonial highlands.

01
Chichén Itzá
The best-known Maya city in the Yucatán, and the one to reach before the Cancún coaches arrive.
02
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
The Avenue of the Dead is an easy day trip from Mexico City and the single most imposing pre-Hispanic site.
03
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
The capital's centre and the Xochimilco canals share one inscription, on opposite ends of the metro.
04
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
Maya architecture inside rainforest, with far fewer visitors than the Yucatán sites.

Yucatán Maya Circuit

8 days Mérida and Campeche

Four inscriptions on one loop by rental car, from limestone pyramid cities to a walled Caribbean port.

Days 1–2
Chichén Itzá
Stay in Pisté and enter at opening — you will have the Castillo almost alone for the first hour.
Days 3–4
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
Base in Mérida; the Puuc route adds Kabah and Labná on the same drive.
Day 5
Historic Fortified Town of Campeche
Colour-washed streets inside intact bastions; one evening and a morning are enough.
Days 6–8
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
A long drive or short flight west; arrive the day before and enter early, when mist still sits in the forest.

Colonial Highlands Loop

9 days Mexico City, Guanajuato and Oaxaca

Silver towns, baroque centres and the Monarch reserve, linked by comfortable long-distance buses.

Days 1–2
Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco
The Zócalo and Templo Mayor first, then a boat morning at Xochimilco on the same inscription.
Day 3
Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan
Leave the city by 07:00; climbing is restricted, but the Avenue of the Dead is the point.
Days 4–5
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
Tunnels, alleys and mining history; add San Miguel de Allende an hour away.
Days 6–9
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán
Oaxaca's centre and the hilltop Zapotec capital share one inscription — split them across two days.

Wildlife & Wild Coast

10 days Baja California and Quintana Roo

Whale lagoons, desert islands and Caribbean wetlands — Mexico's natural inscriptions on a seasonal route.

Days 1–3
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
Grey whales calve from January to March; book a licensed lagoon operator rather than a beach tout.
Days 4–6
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California
Snorkelling and sea-lion colonies out of Loreto or La Paz; sea conditions decide the schedule.
Days 7–10
Sian Ka'an
Fly east to the Riviera Maya, then go by boat through the lagoons at dawn for birdlife.

Site	Year	Type	What it is
Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of TequilaAgave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2006	Cultural	Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, CampecheAncient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2002	Mixed	Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic SystemAqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2015	Cultural	Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological Monuments Zone of XochicalcoArchaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1999	Cultural	Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas GrandesArchaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1998	Cultural	Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archipiélago de RevillagigedoArchipiélago de Revillagigedo — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2016	Natural	Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Camino Real de Tierra AdentroCamino Real de Tierra Adentro — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2010	Cultural	Camino Real de Tierra Adentro — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)The ensemble of buildings, sports facilities and open spaces of the Central University City Campus of the Univ.	2007	Cultural	The ensemble of buildings, sports facilities and open spaces of the Central University City Campus of the Univ.
Chichén ItzáMaya pyramid of the feathered serpent.	1988	Cultural	Maya pyramid of the feathered serpent.
Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of PopocatepetlEarliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1994	Cultural	Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere ReserveEl Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2013	Natural	El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic CityEl Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1992	Cultural	El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of QuerétaroFranciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2003	Cultural	Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Centre of Mexico City and XochimilcoBuilt in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital, Mexico City is now one of.	1987	Cultural	Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the old Aztec capital, Mexico City is now one of.
Historic Centre of MoreliaBuilt in the 16th century, Morelia is an outstanding example of urban planning which combines the ideas of the Spanish R.	1991	Cultural	Built in the 16th century, Morelia is an outstanding example of urban planning which combines the ideas of the Spanish R.
Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte AlbánInhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples – Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs – the terraces, dams, c.	1987	Cultural	Inhabited over a period of 1,500 years by a succession of peoples – Olmecs, Zapotecs and Mixtecs – the terraces, dams, c.
Historic Centre of PueblaPuebla, which was founded ex nihilo in 1531, is situated about 100 km east of Mexico City, at the foot of the Popocatepe.	1987	Cultural	Puebla, which was founded ex nihilo in 1531, is situated about 100 km east of Mexico City, at the foot of the Popocatepe.
Historic Centre of ZacatecasFounded in 1546 after the discovery of a rich silver lode, Zacatecas reached the height of its prosperity in the 16th an.	1993	Cultural	Founded in 1546 after the discovery of a rich silver lode, Zacatecas reached the height of its prosperity in the 16th an.
Historic Fortified Town of CampecheHistoric Fortified Town of Campeche — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1999	Cultural	Historic Fortified Town of Campeche — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Monuments Zone of QuerétaroHistoric Monuments Zone of Querétaro — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1996	Cultural	Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Monuments Zone of TlacotalpanHistoric Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1998	Cultural	Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent MinesFounded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver-extraction centre in the.	1988	Cultural	Founded by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver-extraction centre in the.
Hospicio Cabañas, GuadalajaraThe Hospicio Cabañas was built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadv.	1997	Cultural	The Hospicio Cabañas was built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadv.
Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of CaliforniaThe site comprises 244 islands, islets and coastal areas that are located in the Gulf of California in north-e.	2005	Natural	The site comprises 244 islands, islets and coastal areas that are located in the Gulf of California in north-e.
Luis Barragán House and StudioBuilt in 1948, the House and Studio of architect Luis Barragán in the suburbs of Mexico City represents an out.	2004	Cultural	Built in 1948, the House and Studio of architect Luis Barragán in the suburbs of Mexico City represents an out.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere ReserveMonarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2008	Natural	Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of PalenqueA prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, Palenque was at its height between AD 500 and 700, when it.	1987	Cultural	A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, Palenque was at its height between AD 500 and 700, when it.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-ItzaPre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1988	Cultural	Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pre-Hispanic City of TeotihuacanThe holy city of Teotihuacan ('the place where the gods were created') is situated some 50 km north-east of Mexico City.	1987	Cultural	The holy city of Teotihuacan ('the place where the gods were created') is situated some 50 km north-east of Mexico City.
Pre-Hispanic Town of UxmalThe Mayan town of Uxmal, in Yucatán, was founded c.	1996	Cultural	The Mayan town of Uxmal, in Yucatán, was founded c.
Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of OaxacaPrehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2010	Cultural	Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla in the Central Valley of Oaxaca — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de AtotonilcoProtective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2008	Cultural	Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San FranciscoRock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	1993	Cultural	Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sian Ka'anIn the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means 'Origin of the Sky'.	1987	Natural	In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means 'Origin of the Sky'.
Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of MesoamericaTehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — UNESCO World Heritage Site.	2018	Mixed	Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whale Sanctuary of El VizcainoLocated in the central part of the peninsula of Baja California, the sanctuary contains some exceptionally int.	1993	Natural	Located in the central part of the peninsula of Baja California, the sanctuary contains some exceptionally int.
Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé)The Wixárika Route is a serial property of 20 sites, spanning over 500 km across five states in north-central.	2025	Cultural	The Wixárika Route is a serial property of 20 sites, spanning over 500 km across five states in north-central.

Sites on the map

Flying in

Prints from Mexico

Keep exploring

Top highlights & itineraries in Mexico

Chichén Itzá

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

Yucatán Maya Circuit

Colonial Highlands Loop

Wildlife & Wild Coast

All 37 sites in Mexico

Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche

Aqueduct of Padre Tembleque Hydraulic System

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo

Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

Central University City Campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Chichén Itzá

Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City

Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco

Historic Centre of Morelia

Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán

Historic Centre of Puebla

Historic Centre of Zacatecas

Historic Fortified Town of Campeche

Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan

Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines

Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

Luis Barragán House and Studio

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque

Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan

Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal

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

Protective town of San Miguel and the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco

Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco

Sian Ka'an

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica

Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

Wixárika Route through Sacred Sites to Wirikuta (Tatehuarí Huajuyé)

List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico

Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Mexico

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