Getting some time out of the office is a great way to bring the team together. Discover some of the best cities in Mexico for corporate trips.

By Tinder Kiely

Companies looking to elevate their team’s productivity and collaboration might consider organizing a corporate retreat. While this may sound like an expensive way to boost overall performance, studies show that group getaways support team building, employee retention and company success. According to a study by the University of Warwick, happy employees are more productive by 12%. In a world where work is becoming increasingly digital, the face-to-face communication that’s offered on a corporate retreat is becoming more valuable. According to a Forbes study, 81% of millennial employees believe that they work more effectively when they have face-to-face time with their coworkers. So, where should you go?

Mexico is easily accessible and affordable from most U.S. airports. It is also a vast country, so choosing the perfect location for a corporate retreat can be daunting. Luckily, there are many cities in Mexico that can host your company’s next retreat comfortably. Whether you’re looking for a laidback beach resort or a vibrant city, Mexico has plenty of each to offer. Here, we spotlight some of the best places in Mexico for your next corporate retreat.

Puerto Vallarta

One of the safest cities in the country, this location offers prime hotels, resorts, and convention spaces for your company’s needs. Once you and your team finish work, take some time to visit a few local art galleries and browse the handmade wares at the boardwalk. With beautiful views of the ocean and mountains, your team building activities will be something to remember.

Mexican rugs and blankets Photo Credit: Arturo Sanchez

Rugs and blankets from Teotitlan del Valle Credit: Arturo Sanchez

Oaxaca

Just about everyone who visits the city of Oaxaca returns home raving about it—and for good reason. The city is beautiful—situated between two mountain ranges in southern Mexico—and is a popular hub for tourism. Oaxaca is the most ethnically diverse state in Mexico, with Oaxaca City as its capital. Because of this, vibrant culture, food and new experiences are what travelers find when they visit. Your team will bond while exploring the colorful, bustling market plazas; hiking one of the surrounding mountains; or drinking mezcal together, the region’s specialty alcohol that is known across the world.

Mexico City

Mexico City, the country’s cultural and economic epicenter, has all the offerings of a metropolitan city: mind-blowing food, historic sightseeing gems, inspiring art and a variety of large hotels ready to accommodate a corporate retreat. Take a trip to the Museum of Modern Art, where work by famous Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera is showcased alongside renowned art from around the world. Looking at beautiful, meticulously crafted artwork will inspire your team to level up their own creativity. Next, charter an affordable bus to take the team to one of the most famous ruins in Mexico, Teotihuacán. The mysterious “City of the Gods” predates the Aztecs and was one of the largest cities in the world during its time. Here, you can wander between the massive pyramids—impressive structures which were undoubtedly built with a considerable amount of teamwork and creativity—as your team imagines their next big project.

Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen has world-class beaches and resorts to match. Throw in a colorful coastal city with a population of 300,000 and a well-trodden tourism path, and you have a perfect location for your next corporate retreat. Playa Del Carmen is located between two slightly more well-known spots: Cancun, which is known for parties, resorts and commercial tourism; and Tulum, which is better known for its wellness offerings and ecotourism. All three of these cities would be great choices, but Playa Del Carmen offers the best of both worlds. It has the all-inclusive resorts and nightlife of Cancun, while still maintaining a more local beachtown vibe. Additionally, it is close enough to Tulum to take advantage of all its wellness offerings without needing to pay the Tulum prices. While visiting Playa Del Carmen, be sure to book a group tour to one of the cenotes: refreshing, naturally occurring underground springs full of crystal-clear water ready to be explored.

Tulum

This town has plenty to experience and enjoy. Set near ancient ruins and underwater caves, Tulum gives your team the opportunity to explore and create an adventure. Its beaches are also the perfect place to lounge after a long day of team building. Lodging ranges from small bed and breakfasts to accommodating resorts.

Honorable mentions:

  • Cabo San Lucas (Baja Peninsula, Mexico): Offers stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, a huge array of resorts and, if you’re lucky, groups of whale sharks swimming around the bays.
  • Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco, Mexico): Known for friendly locals, large resorts, beautiful beaches and plenty of boutiques to shop for handmade goods.
  • Tulum (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico): An ecotourism destination famous for its wellness and luxury offerings.
  • Bacalar (Quintana Roo, Mexico): A stunning town known for its natural beauty and bordering lagoon, The Lake of Seven Colors.

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