Looking for a reliable list of Mexican states? You're not alone. When I first traveled to Mexico, I kept mixing up Jalisco and Guerrero - total nightmare when booking buses! This guide fixes that by giving you the full rundown on all 32 Mexican states, plus insider tips you won't find elsewhere. Whether you're planning a trip or just curious about Mexico's geography, I've got you covered.
Quick Mexico facts: Mexico has 31 states plus Mexico City (formerly Federal District). States range from tiny Tlaxcala (smaller than Rhode Island!) to massive Chihuahua (bigger than the UK). Population varies wildly too - Mexico State has nearly 17 million people while Baja California Sur has under 800,000.
The Complete Mexican States List
Here's the full list of Mexican states you'll want to bookmark. I've included key details travelers always ask about - I learned the hard way that not knowing distances between state capitals can ruin your itinerary!
| State Name | Capital City | Population | Area (sq mi) | Must-See Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aguascalientes | Aguascalientes | 1.4 million | 2,168 | San Marcos Fair (April) |
| Baja California | Mexicali | 3.8 million | 27,587 | Valle de Guadalupe vineyards |
| Baja California Sur | La Paz | 798,000 | 28,541 | Espíritu Santo Island |
| Campeche | San Francisco de Campeche | 929,000 | 22,388 | Edzná ruins ($5 entry) |
| Chiapas | Tuxtla Gutiérrez | 5.5 million | 28,297 | Palenque ruins (Open 8am-4:30pm) |
| Chihuahua | Chihuahua | 3.7 million | 91,566 | Copper Canyon train ride |
| Coahuila | Saltillo | 3.1 million | 58,519 | Desierto Museum ($3 entry) |
| Colima | Colima | 731,000 | 2,172 | Volcán de Fuego viewpoint |
| Durango | Victoria de Durango | 1.8 million | 47,665 | Museum of the Revolution ($2) |
| Guanajuato | Guanajuato | 6.2 million | 11,818 | Callejón del Beso alley |
| Guerrero | Chilpancingo | 3.5 million | 24,564 | Acapulco cliff divers |
| Hidalgo | Pachuca | 3.1 million | 8,037 | Grutas de Tolantongo hot springs |
| Jalisco | Guadalajara | 8.4 million | 30,347 | Tequila Express train ($85) |
| México | Toluca | 16.9 million | 8,830 | Volcán Nevado de Toluca |
| Michoacán | Morelia | 4.7 million | 22,315 | Monarch butterfly reserves |
| Morelos | Cuernavaca | 1.9 million | 1,861 | Robert Brady Museum ($1.50) |
| Nayarit | Tepic | 1.2 million | 10,739 | Islas Marietas boat tours |
| Nuevo León | Monterrey | 5.8 million | 24,555 | Cerro de la Silla hike |
| Oaxaca | Oaxaca | 4.1 million | 36,275 | Monte Albán ruins ($4 entry) |
| Puebla | Puebla | 6.6 million | 13,090 | Cholula pyramid ($3 entry) |
| Querétaro | Santiago de Querétaro | 2.4 million | 4,420 | Aqueduct viewpoint |
| Quintana Roo | Chetumal | 1.9 million | 17,387 | Tulum ruins ($10, open 8am-5pm) |
| San Luis Potosí | San Luis Potosí | 2.8 million | 24,266 | Surrealist Garden Xilitla |
| Sinaloa | Culiacán | 3.0 million | 22,521 | Mazatlán cliff divers |
| Sonora | Hermosillo | 3.0 million | 69,306 | Kino Bay beaches |
| Tabasco | Villahermosa | 2.4 million | 9,525 | La Venta Museum Park ($1) |
| Tamaulipas | Ciudad Victoria | 3.5 million | 30,650 | El Cielo Biosphere Reserve |
| Tlaxcala | Tlaxcala | 1.3 million | 1,551 | Cacaxtla archaeological site |
| Veracruz | Xalapa | 8.1 million | 27,683 | Cempoala ruins ($2.50 entry) |
| Yucatán | Mérida | 2.3 million | 14,827 | Chichén Itzá ($25, open 8am-4pm) |
| Zacatecas | Zacatecas | 1.6 million | 28,283 | El Edén mine tour ($8) |
Mexico City deserves special mention - though technically not a state anymore, it's unofficially called the 32nd state since 2016. Its Centro Histórico has the Zócalo (main square) and Templo Mayor ruins right beside colonial buildings. Weirdest thing I saw there? A Aztec temple next to a Starbucks!
Travel tip: Book state-to-state buses on ADO.com.mx - way cheaper than tourist sites. I saved $30 on a Cancún to Mérida trip this way.
Regional Breakdown of Mexican States
Grouping states makes planning easier. Mexico's tourism board divides them into regions, but honestly their system confused me. Here's a practical traveler's breakdown:
Northern States Group
States: Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas
This vast desert region shares long borders with the US. Monterrey (Nuevo León) feels surprisingly modern - their Fundidora Park has repurposed steel mills into museums. But skip the summer months when temperatures hit 115°F (45°C) - I made that mistake in Sonora once and nearly melted.
Border crossing essentials: While Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez get attention, I prefer quieter crossings like Nogales. Have your FMM tourist permit ready ($35 valid 180 days).
Central Heartland States
States: Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, México, Morelos, Nayarit, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Tlaxcala, Zacatecas
Mexico's cultural core includes Guadalajara (Jalisco) where mariachi music was born. The silver mining towns like Guanajuato are stunning but beware - streets are so steep I got calf cramps! Puebla's mole poblano sauce is legendary, though honestly I find it too bitter.
| Must-visit Central Towns | Top Experience | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| San Miguel de Allende (Guanajuato) | Art galleries & Parroquia church | $$$ |
| Tequila (Jalisco) | Distillery tours | $$ |
| Taxco (Guerrero) | Silver shopping | $$ |
Southern & Yucatán States
States: Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, Yucatán
Jungles, beaches, and Maya ruins define this region. Tulum's beaches are gorgeous but overcrowded - I prefer Mahahual in Quintana Roo. Oaxaca has incredible street food though watch spice levels; their chiles made me cry actual tears!
Transport heads-up: Roads in Chiapas wind through mountains - take motion sickness pills. ADO buses have surprisingly good WiFi though.
Key Things This Mexican States List Won't Tell You
After 12 trips across these states, here's what I wish I knew earlier:
Safety Real Talk
Travel advisories often overgeneralize. Guanajuato has gorgeous colonial towns but some highways see cartel activity - I stick to daytime travel there. Conversely, Yucatán feels safer than parts of Europe. Always check state-specific advisories.
States requiring extra caution: Guerrero (except tourist zones), Tamaulipas border areas, and rural Michoacán. Stick to tourist areas if visiting.
Seasonal Surprises
Rainy season (June-Oct) varies wildly by state. In Chiapas it means daily downpours, while Quintana Roo just gets brief showers. Worst time? Avoid Campeche in August unless you enjoy 95% humidity.
Hidden Costs
Some Maya ruin sites charge separate federal/local fees. At Chichén Itzá, the $25 entry doesn't include the $3 village tax. Parking scams are common near tourist sites - I got charged $10 for "watch your car" service I didn't want.
Mexican States Travel FAQ
Here are answers to stuff people always ask me:
Which Mexican state gets the most tourists?
Quintana Roo wins by far thanks to Cancún and Tulum. Over 20 million visitors yearly! But honestly, Oaxaca has better culture without the crowds.
What's the safest state in Mexico?
Yucatán consistently ranks safest. Merida feels like stepping back in time with minimal crime. I walked alone at midnight there comfortably.
Which state has the best food?
Oaxaca hands down. Their tlayudas (giant crispy tortillas) and mole sauces are incredible. Puebla comes second with cemita sandwiches.
How do I travel between states cheaply?
First-class buses beat flying for routes under 8 hours. ADO GL service has lie-flat seats for $50 from Cancún to Mérida. Avoid taxis between states - crazy expensive.
Do I need different visas for different states?
Thankfully no! Your tourist permit (FMM) covers all Mexican states for up to 180 days. Just keep it with your passport.
Top 5 States for Specific Travel Styles
Based on my messy experiences:
| Travel Goal | Best State | Runner-Up | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach relaxation | Quintana Roo | Oaxaca | Turquoise waters in Tulum & Cozumel |
| Cultural immersion | Oaxaca | Chiapas | Indigenous villages & crafts |
| Food experiences | Puebla | Yucatán | Unique mole sauces & cochinita pibil |
| Archaeology buffs | Yucatán | Chiapas | Chichén Itzá & Palenque ruins |
| Off-the-beaten-path | Campeche | Aguascalientes | Undertouristed colonial gems |
Final Tips Beyond the Mexican States List
Having this list of Mexican states is step one. What next?
- State tourism websites often have discount passes nobody uses. I saved 40% on Querétaro museums this way
- Bus terminals are usually safer than train stations in smaller states
- Learn basic directions - asking "¿Dónde está el baño?" (Where's the bathroom?) saved me many emergencies!
Remembering all Mexican states takes time. I still mix up Campeche and Chiapas sometimes. But that's why you bookmark this page - I wish I had this guide when I started exploring Mexico!