Mexico is filled with vibrant colors, stunning landscapes, and cultural gems waiting to be captured. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR camera, you’ll find endless photo opportunities. Here’s a guide to help you take the best photos and videos during your trip around this incredible country.
Best Locations for Photos in Mexico
1. Chichen Itza, Yucatán
Chichen Itza is one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” for a reason. The vast Mayan ruins, especially the iconic El Castillo pyramid, provide an epic backdrop for your photos. To capture it without large crowds, visit as early as possible. The site opens early in the morning, which is perfect for catching softer light and less crowded shots.
2. Cancun’s Beaches
Cancun is famous for its white beaches and turquoise water. Playa Delfines is a great spot for uninterrupted views and fewer tourists. Golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) works magic here. These soft hues enhance both landscapes and portraits.
3. Guanajuato City
This colonial town is filled with narrow alleyways and colorful buildings. Visit the hilltop monument, El Pípila, for a panoramic view of the rainbow-like city below. Shooting midday might cast harsh light, so try early morning or just before sunset for softer tones.
4. Oaxaca City
Oaxaca is a gem for street photography. The brightly painted houses, traditional markets, and the lively main square (“El Zócalo”) provide a ton of unique opportunities. The early morning light spills into the streets beautifully when locals are setting up their shops and markets. Don’t miss shooting during “Guelaguetza” festival if you are there in July; it’s full of traditional costumes and dances.
5. Hierve el Agua, Oaxaca
This natural infinity pool is perched on a cliff, with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Sunset casts a warm glow on the water, creating reflections that are ideal for those perfect mirror-like shots. Avoid visiting during midday hours when the light can be harsh, taking away from the magic.
6. Tulum Ruins
The ancient Mayan ruins sit on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, which creates a combination of historical and natural beauty in one frame. Sunrise is the best time to go, as you’ll capture fewer tourists and the hazy morning light rising above the ocean.
Best Times of Day for Shooting
Golden Hour
The first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset are undeniably the best times to shoot in Mexico. The sun is much lower, creating longer shadows and warmer tones. It’s ideal for portraits, landscapes, and street photography. In beach locations like Cancun or the Baja Peninsula, the golden hour also makes the water look more vibrant.
Blue Hour
The blue hour—right after the sun goes down or before it rises—gives a soft, cool light. This is a good time for capturing architecture, as Mexico’s historical buildings often appear more detailed in this subtle light. Places like Guanajuato or the Mexico City Zócalo look especially magical during blue hour.
Avoid Midday
Midday sunlight can be harsh, creating hard shadows in your photos. However, if you’re visiting a lush jungle or shaded area (like inside many temples), the bright afternoon sun can still work in your favor, adding contrast and brightening up colors.
Smartphone Tips for High-Quality Shots
Use Gridlines
Almost all smartphones allow you to switch on gridlines in the camera settings. Use these to follow the “rule of thirds” when composing your photo. Try placing points of interest (like a pyramid or a person) where the gridlines intersect for more balanced, appealing photos.
Focus and Exposure
Tap on the screen to set your focus point. After tapping, slide up or down to control the exposure. If you’re photographing a sunset in Tulum or a bright, colorful building in Oaxaca, manually adjusting exposure will make sure nothing is overexposed.
HDR Mode
High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode combines multiple images of different exposure levels into one shot. This works great when photographing a bright sky and darker landscape, like if you’re shooting toward the horizon during golden hour at the beach.
Use Panorama for Landscape Shots
If you’re at a wide place like Teotihuacan or inside the Zócalo, use panorama mode to capture the entire scene. Sweep slowly across the landscape to create a smooth, balanced shot. Be sure to keep your hand steady to avoid any glitches.
Night Mode for Evening Photography
When taking photos in the streets at night, don’t forget to switch on your phone’s night mode. Make sure you stabilize your phone (lean against a wall or use a small tripod) to prevent blur. This is useful when you’re capturing city lights or portraits with low light, especially in cities like Mexico City or Guanajuato.
Equipment for Capturing High-Quality Images
Mirrorless or DSLR Camera
If you plan to shoot more than just casual vacation photos, consider bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera. These will give you more control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, resulting in sharper, more dynamic photos.
Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing Mexico’s landscapes and cityscapes. Whether you’re photographing the rugged coastline of Tulum or the colorful streets of San Miguel de Allende, a wide-angle lens will let you fit more into the frame.
Drone
If you want to capture stunning aerial shots (just think of those sweeping views over Tulum or Chichen Itza), a compact drone might be a great investment. Just make sure to research local drone regulations to avoid fines.
Phone Gimbal for Steady Videos
If you’re more into video content or vlogging, a smartphone gimbal is a game-changer. It stabilizes your phone and gets rid of that annoying handheld shake, making your videos much smoother, especially if you’re walking through busy streets or on uneven terrain.
Cultural Considerations for Photography in Mexico
Be Respectful in Sacred Spaces
Mexico is home to many sacred places, such as churches and Mayan temples. While it’s generally okay to take photos at such sites, be mindful of any signage stating otherwise. Also, locals might be praying or meditating at these places, so always show respect by keeping your voice low and avoiding interrupting their space with your camera.
Ask Permission Before Photographing People
If you’re taking portraits of locals, especially in indigenous regions of Oaxaca or Chiapas, always ask for permission first. A friendly smile and gesture go a long way. Some may say no, and that’s okay. Others may expect a small tip or fee for a photo, so be prepared to offer a few pesos as a gesture of respect.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Mexico is famous for its vibrant festivals: Día de los Muertos being one of the most well-known. During these celebrations, costumes and traditions are important to locals. Always ask before snapping close-ups of costumes or personal moments. Many locals will be thrilled to let you photograph them, possibly expecting a small tip, but it’s important to approach politely.
Final Thoughts
Mexico is a photographer’s paradise. From ancient ruins to colorful cities and sweeping beaches, every corner provides a unique shot. Whether you’re photographing bustling markets, serene landscapes, or portraits of locals, be patient, pay attention to the light, and most importantly, be respectful of the local culture. Happy shooting!
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