Caribbean Mexico Takes Five of Top 10 Spots in Thanksgiving 2026 Destination Ranking

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Five destinations in the Mexican Caribbean ranked among the top 10 places in Mexico to travel for Thanksgiving 2026, according to a list published by the international travel outlet Travel And Tour World. Cancún took first place nationally, while Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres also made the top 10.

The selection, released Oct. 15, covers 20 Mexican destinations for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. The outlet said it weighed natural attractions, tourism infrastructure, food, cultural heritage and the experiences available to visitors during the holiday period.

Quintana Roo Dominates the Top 10

Quintana Roo has more destinations in the top 10 than any other state, with five entries. Their positions are:

1. Cancún
2. Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya (4th)
3. Tulum (7th)
4. Cozumel (9th)
5. Isla Mujeres (10th)

Cancún leads the national list ahead of Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, which placed second, and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, which placed third. Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya took fourth, finishing ahead of Mexico City and the Riviera Nayarit. Tulum placed seventh, while Cozumel and Isla Mujeres rounded out the top 10.

What the Ranking Highlights

Travel And Tour World cited Cancún’s hotel infrastructure, Caribbean beaches and range of recreational activities. For the holiday, the destination offers options including special dinners at tourism establishments, water activities and cultural tours.

For Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, the ranking pointed to the combination of beaches, cenotes, resort complexes and attractions tied to Maya culture. Among the options it mentions is a special dinner scheduled for Nov. 26 at Viceroy Riviera Maya, along with tourist activities across the holiday weekend.

The publication also included Tulum for its beaches, archaeological sites and lodging options, with food offerings tied to the U.S. celebration. Cozumel took ninth place for its reefs, diving, marine excursions and quieter options for relaxation, though special dinners depend on announcements from each individual establishment.

Isla Mujeres closed the top 10, with Playa Norte, Punta Sur and its seafront accommodations among its main draws. The listing mentions seasonal offers at tourism establishments, although some food-related activities still need confirmed dates.

An Editorial Pick, Not a Bookings Measure

Travel And Tour World’s ranking is an editorial selection of destinations considered attractive for Thanksgiving travel. It does not measure hotel reservations, tourism occupancy or actual arrivals of U.S. visitors.

Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is not an official holiday in Mexico, but hotels and restaurants across the Mexican Caribbean regularly schedule activities aimed at international visitors.

The full list of 20 Mexican destinations also includes Mérida, Yucatán, at No. 15; Oaxaca at No. 16; and Querétaro at No. 20.