Mexico has been recognized as one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, earning the No. 2 spot on a Condé Nast Traveler list celebrating some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

The travel publication placed Australia at No. 1, followed by Mexico, Brazil, the United States, China, India, Canada, Indonesia, France and Colombia in the top 10.

For anyone who has travelled across Mexico, the recognition probably isn’t much of a surprise.

Mexico offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes within its borders. More than 5,000 miles of coastline stretch along the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, while the interior features deserts, tropical jungles, mountain ranges, volcanoes, waterfalls and the famous cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Condé Nast Traveler highlighted destinations including Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, along with Mexico’s remarkable biodiversity and protected natural areas.

But Mexico’s beauty goes far beyond its landscapes.

Ancient archaeological sites including Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán sit alongside colourful colonial cities, Indigenous communities and some of the most celebrated food traditions in the world. Mexican cuisine, Día de Muertos and mariachi are among the country’s cultural traditions recognized by UNESCO.

The complete top 10 was:

1. Australia 🇦🇺
2. Mexico 🇲🇽
3. Brazil 🇧🇷
4. United States 🇺🇸
5. China 🇨🇳
6. India 🇮🇳
7. Canada 🇨🇦
8. Indonesia 🇮🇩
9. France 🇫🇷
10. Colombia 🇨🇴

Of course, beauty is subjective, and the Condé Nast Traveler list shouldn’t be interpreted as a scientific measurement of which country is objectively the world’s most beautiful.

Still, taking the No. 2 spot is some serious recognition for Mexico — and another reminder that its appeal extends far beyond its famous beaches.

From the Caribbean waters of Quintana Roo to the mountains of Chiapas, the deserts of Baja California and the historic streets of Oaxaca and Mexico City, Mexico’s combination of nature, history, food and culture makes a pretty convincing case. 🇲🇽🌎