Six Mexican beaches rank among the Americas’ best in 2026 - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Mexico has secured six places among the 20 Best Beaches in the Americas in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, reinforcing the country's appeal as a major international beach tourism destination. The results highlight coastal locations across four Mexican states, ranging from the Caribbean shores of Quintana Roo to the Pacific coastline and the Sea of Cortez.

Tulum achieved the highest position among Mexican destinations, ranking second overall with a score of 96.29. Playa Balandra in Baja California Sur followed in fifth place, while Playa del Carmen, Akumal Beach, Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Amor in the Marietas Islands also appeared in the top 20. The results reflect the geographical diversity of Mexico's coastal tourism offering and the popularity of both established resorts and protected natural landscapes.

Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, welcomed the recognition as an indication of the country's continued attractiveness to international travellers. The awards also extended beyond beaches, with Holbox in Quintana Roo placing third among North America's best islands. Together, the results provide additional international visibility for several of Mexico's most important tourism regions.

Caribbean destinations lead Mexico's rankings

Three of the six recognised beach destinations are located in Quintana Roo, underlining the continuing importance of Mexico's Caribbean coast.

Tulum secured second place in the Americas with 96.29 points. Known for its combination of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and nearby Maya archaeological sites, the destination has developed into an internationally recognised tourism centre. Its appeal extends beyond traditional beach holidays to include boutique accommodation, wellness experiences and cultural excursions.

Playa del Carmen ranked eleventh with 90.50 points. Located on the Riviera Maya, the resort city combines extensive hotel infrastructure with restaurants, shopping and access to excursions throughout the region.

Akumal Beach, also in Quintana Roo, placed thirteenth with 88.28 points. The destination is particularly associated with its coastal environment and opportunities to observe marine wildlife, including sea turtles.

The concentration of recognised destinations along the Riviera Maya highlights the region's broad appeal to different visitor segments, from resort holidaymakers to travellers interested in nature and cultural experiences.

For tour operators and travel agents, the results provide an additional marketing argument for one of Mexico's most established international holiday regions.

Pacific coast and Baja California gain recognition

Beyond the Caribbean, three destinations on Mexico's western coastline also featured in the awards.

Playa Balandra in Baja California Sur achieved fifth place with 94.86 points, making it Mexico's second-highest-ranked beach. Located near La Paz on the Sea of Cortez, Balandra is known for its shallow turquoise waters, sheltered bays and distinctive coastal landscape.

Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco ranked fifteenth with 85.77 points. The Pacific resort destination combines beaches with a historic urban centre, restaurants, cultural attractions and a well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Playa del Amor, situated within the Marietas Islands off the coast of Nayarit, followed in sixteenth place with 84.94 points. The beach is particularly distinctive because of its location within a natural rock formation, making it one of the region's most recognisable coastal attractions.

The inclusion of these destinations demonstrates that Mexico's international beach tourism appeal is not limited to the Caribbean. The Pacific coast and Baja California offer contrasting landscapes and travel experiences, broadening the range of products available to international visitors.

Holbox among North America's leading islands

Mexico also received recognition in the awards' island category. Holbox, located off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo, ranked third among the best islands in North America with a score of 94.29.

The island has developed a tourism identity centred on its beaches, relaxed atmosphere and natural surroundings. Its recognition adds another dimension to Quintana Roo's international profile beyond the major resort centres of Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Tourism Secretary Rodríguez Zamora said the awards reflected the diversity of Mexico's tourism offering and its ability to attract visitors seeking different types of experiences.

"Having six Mexican beaches among the 20 best in the Americas fills us with pride and confirms the tremendous appeal of our sun-and-beach destinations," she said.

The secretary also emphasised the importance of maintaining the quality and attractiveness of destinations to encourage repeat visits and further exploration of the country.

For Mexico's tourism industry, the Condé Nast Traveller results provide international recognition across several established and emerging destination segments. The rankings are based on readers' preferences rather than a comprehensive assessment of tourism infrastructure or environmental conditions, but they offer an indication of how participating travellers perceive individual destinations.

With six beaches in the Americas' top 20 and Holbox among North America's three highest-ranked islands, Mexico enters the coming travel seasons with additional visibility in the international leisure market. The geographical spread of the recognised destinations also creates opportunities for travel companies to promote itineraries extending beyond the country's best-known resort areas.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with material courtesy of The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico