The 39 best places to visit in Mexico
After living in Cancun for 13 years and traveling around Mexico for the following 3 years and counting, I have collected several spectacular unforgettable adventures in the most incredible places in Mexico, and in this post, I am going to list them so that you can visit them too
When you think about Mexico the first thing that comes to your mind you staring at a blue turquoise sea from the white-sand Caribbean beach with a tropical cocktail in your hand. I feel you. And after living 7 years in Cancun I know exactly what you mean.
But Mexico is much more than that. It’s an immense country with huge natural diversity and profound culture.
Mexico cannot be described. He must be trusted. With passion, with rage, with total surrender…
Carlos Fuentes
It’s no surprise that Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the most visited destination and for a reason, well, multiple reasons.
However, there are 31 states overall, each one boasting its own culture and traditions; amazing people, proud of their own state and happy to share it with you, traveler. Not to mention the great unique food.
There are many interesting facts about Mexico that will keep you entertained and many travel tips you should know about before traveling to Mexico.
In this post, I will take you on a journey through the most amazing places to see in Mexico and I hope to inspire you to explore more of this beautiful country that never stops fascinating me.
The most unique places to visit in Mexico
Explore the impressive petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua (Oaxaca)
A spectacular natural monument just an hour from Oaxaca city will leave you speechless. An insider tip to appreciate it better: make sure you go on your own and not with an organized tour and leave early in the morning so that you can get there before the crowd. It’s magic!
Even better would be to stay there in one of the cabañas or camp. Hierve el Agua looks like a frozen waterfall but if you know the temperatures of that place you would know that it would be impossible for the water to freeze. I will tell you what happens then.
Two natural pools receive the waters from the springs that release different kinds of minerals, also known for their natural healing properties.
The water drips down from the pools to the cliffs creating deposits of minerals that accumulate over time and create these massive white columns around the mountains that look like iced water.
It’s a spectacular view and if you dare take a dip in the freezing water, watching the spectacular mountains around you it’s a magical experience. There is also a short hike that goes from above the pools all around the falls and you can see them from different perspectives.
Swim in the spectacular waterfalls of the Huasteca Potosina (San Luis Potosi)
This is actually one of my favorite places in Mexico. The Huasteca Potosina is a region that includes part of Queretaro and San Luis Potosi, northeast of Mexico City. The region is famous for the spectacular waterfalls scattered around the town of Ciudad Valles. You can stay there and get tours that take you around amazing places such as El Salto, Tamul, Puente de Dios. There is so much to see.
Get lost in the Enchanted Garden of Xilitla (San Luis Potosi)
Close to the Huasteca Potosina, you can include in your Itinerary this very original and mysterious garden build by the British artist Edward James. It was his own home and now a park and museum that you can visit and spend a full day if you wish.
It’s made of concrete construction of different shapes that look like a labyrinth in the middle of a thick jungle. I arrived in Xilitla after spending 3 days in the Sierra Gorda Queretaro, an amazing trip. I stayed only 1 night but if you have time you should spend a couple of extra nights and explore the amazing surroundings.
Get up early and get to the Sotano de las Golondrinas (San Luis Potosi)
Make sure you arrive in time to watch the spectacular show of thousands of birds coming out of the cave all together in a whirlpool of wings and chirping sounds. It lasts a few minutes but it’s all worth the trip. And when you get back up to the entrance you will have a spectacular sunrise to watch.
Make sure you organize your trip with a taxi driver if you don’t have your own car, and ask him to take you around the town of Aquismon and visit the close by waterfalls. Puente de Dios and Tamul are the closest but make sure it’s not the Puente de Dios that everybody knows, it’s another one, less known but still beautiful and closer to the town. You can include this stop in your itinerary to the Huasteca Potosina.
Visit Puebla and try famous Chile en Nogada in Puebla
Puebla is known to be the official culinary destination of Mexico and, although every state has its food identity and specialties, Puebla can be considered on top of the game. Its typical creative delicacies are not for every palate but appreciated by the most.
Puebla’s historical center is nominated UNESCO Heritage Site.
Among the delicious food in Puebla, the Chile en Nogada is the most popular dish and the culinary symbol of Puebla. It’s a seasonal dish because the ingredients used can be found only in the summer. So if you want to try it, make sure you go between July and August when Chile is ready to be picked up.
There is a lot of history around this traditional plate, so they even do festivals and competitions for the best chile en Nogada. If you are a foody person, you should not miss it.
Now they are starting to make the vegan version which might be totally different from the original one but for sure you can get an idea of flavors.
Hike the Nevado de Toluca (State of Mexico)
If you love hiking you will enjoy this day tour from Mexico City. An escape from the charming yet chaotic city to enjoy a hike at 4000 mt.
There are different types of hikes for any level and ability.
The best one was to me to get to the crater rim and enjoy the spectacular views of the lakes of the sun and the moon and then going down and back up on the other side. It was tough but the spectacular scenery makes up for the effort. You will enjoy reading my post on Hiking the Nevado de Toluca with the full story of my hike and how I managed to crawl to the top.
Take a dip in a mystic cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula (Yucatan)
If you are on a trip to Yucatan you cannot miss a swim in these spectacular natural sinkholes.
There are thousands scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula. Only around Tulum, there are at least 10 that you can visit on a half-day trip.
Or if you love to explore further, the best cenotes are close to Merida, in a small town called Cuzama’, known for the incredible quantity of Cenotes that have been discovered. It’s one dirt road lined by cenotes. You can go on your own or ask local guides to take you on their moto-taxi, which adds to the fun.
Go whale watching in Baja California
In Baja California Sur you can experience the best whale watching in Mexico. You can see them floating and swimming around from December through March (March being the best month) and the best spot to see them is San Ignacio or Puerto Lopez Mateos.
I went on a road trip twice, once with two friends and we drove from La Paz to San Ignacio, which is a good 8 hours drive but it gives you the most spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez.
The other time I was on my own and I enjoyed it even more (Sorry friends!)
In another post, I will tell you all about my 10-day trip on the road in Baja California, including the Whale Watching trip.
It was such an emotional experience to see that giant of the sea coming close to you and letting you pet them. Incredible. I would do it over again.
Climb to El Tepozteco (Tepoztlan – Morelos)
Located in Tepoztlan, a lovely town in the Mexican state of Morelos, about 2 hours from Mexico City, El Tepozteco is an ancient pyramid dedicated to the God of Pulque but its fame is mainly credited to the steep hike that you have to take in order to get to the top.
It’s a hard 2km and 500 mt elevation gain, but all worth it when you reach the top and see the spectacular views of the town.
Tepozlan became a Pueblo Magico in 2010 and it boasts many interesting historical places besides an interesting local market with delicious food, also vegan-friendly.
Learn about the Mariachi Tradition
Mariachi Music is the iconic melody of Mexico that accompanies all the most important events. Welcome or goodbye parties, or any other occasion to celebrate is not complete if a mariachi band is not present. But what is a Mariachi? It’s a band generally consisting of 4 or 5 musicians wearing charro suites and playing at least two violins, a guitar, a guitarrón(large bass guitar), and a vihuela (similar to a guitar but with a rounded back) and one or more of the musicians also sing.
Mariachi was recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 and the listing says Mariachi is traditional Mexican music and a fundamental element of Mexican culture” and again, “Mariachi music transmits values of respect for the natural heritage of the regions of Mexico and local history in the Spanish language and the different Indian languages of Western Mexico”.
Where to find Mariachi Music in Mexico. Well, basically everywhere. However, there are 2 famous plazas that have been known for their folklores and mariachi music, one is Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City and the other is Plaza de los Mariachi in Guadalajara, Jalisco, the state where the Mariachi tradition was born.
However, I have to say that I am seeing lots of negative feedback about those places from visitors that felt that those areas have lost their old traditional charm and have even become even a little unsafe.
If you are interested in knowing more in-depth about Mariachi Music you will appreciate the Mariachi music festival that takes place in Guadalajara every year.
Click here to check out the list of the Best Mariachi songs to request.
Practice your surfing skills in the Mexican Surfing Mecca, Sayulita
The vibrant and busy little town of the Riviera Nayarit, was just a small fishing village in the 70s when a crowd of hippies from the US in search of the perfect wave found it here, fell in love with the place, and settle down.
With time Sayulita has developed into a very demanded touristic destination, not only for surfers anymore but for anyone in search of good beach life, great drinks, sun, and a chilling vacation. In fact, Sayulita is home to the most popular beaches in Mexico.
The town has a lot to offer and will give you lots of reasons to fall in love with it. You can read my article where I share the 25 things to do in Sayulita and many other practical tips.
Go Jewelry shopping in Taxco (Guerrero)
The small town of Taxco is mainly known for its Silver mining history which was not one of the happiest for the locals but gave so much wealth to the conqueror.
As a positive result, goldsmithing became the most important activity of the local population which made Taxco one of the most important centers for Silver jewelry.
Now the mines are closed, except for one that has been turned into a museum, but they buy the raw product and make magic with it turning it into a spectacular decorative objects, personal accessories, and houseware.
The town is also a gem, built on the slope of a mountain, you will have fun walking around the steep cobblestone winding roads or taking a ride on the VW beetles that populate the street of the Pueblo Magico.
There is so much to do in Taxco that you could spend a whole week and still wait for a dull moment. My favorite thing to do in Taxco was to visit the Pozas Azules (See next point #12)
Swim in the spectacular Pozas Azules (Taxco – Guerrero)
Among the things that you can do in Taxco, swimming in the Pozas Azules was one of my favorites. It’s an easy 40-minute ride on a combi (minivan) to the town of Atzala.
The bus will take you right to the entrance and then you have a 5-minute walk to the blue water pools. It’s normally a busy place but there is a way to be alone in the water.
Explore the breathtaking Sierra Gorda (Queretaro)
The small state of Queretaro is packed with things to do and see, one of them is the Sierra Gorda, a mountain range with such a diversity of landscape and territory you will not believe it.
It’s difficult to explore it with public transportation so you would need to rent a car or go on a tour.
I did a private tour with a local guide and I had a blast, not only because we were almost alone in the wilderness but because the places are spectacular.
Waterfalls, canyons, rivers, old churches in the middle of a deserted valley, hikes on top of a bed of clouds covering the spectacular valley.
It’s just breathtaking.
Read also: 4-day Itinerary in the Sierra Gorda Queretaro
Take a ride on El Chepe through the Copper Canyon (Chihuahua)
Visiting the Copper Canyon ( Barranca del Cobre in Spanish) was one of the most amazing trips of my life and I am planning to do it over again. I was there for 23 days and I was happy to do it with a friend who had the same idea of travel as me.
We explored every town and every corner and I have even done the zip line and a sort of easy via Ferrata in the Adventure Park, I don’t normally like parks of that sort but this one in the middle of the Canyon was the perfect way to experience the spectacular views you get of the huge mountain range.
It’s just breathtaking. But there is also the cultural part that is very interesting to learn about. The population of the Tarahumara, is known for their ability to run for miles and miles barefoot. It’s a world to discover.
Be inspired by the art galleries in Oaxaca city (Oaxaca)
Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities in Mexico and the place where I would live when I will be back from my long journey through Latin America.
Among the amazing things that conquered my heart was the artsy vibes that you can feel all around the city and you can see in the countless art galleries you can find, especially in the historical center.
Also, Oaxaca is where the local indigenous culture has a louder voice and you can see it and feel it in their traditions, festivals and textiles, and museums.
It’s such a magic place, not to mention the surroundings, packed with things to see such as the Hierve el Agua ( See #1) or the archeological site of Monte Alban towering over the valley which makes some of the best days trips from Oaxaca.
Enjoy the colorful murals of La Paz (Baja California)
Baja California is a world to discover, very different from the rest of Mexico and yet so Mexican in many ways. There is a huge community of American Expatriates living there which would make you feel you are not in the real Mexico, but you are.
What I loved the most about Baja California had nothing to do with culture, though. Instead, I was fascinated with the moonlike landscapes, spectacular views over the Sea of Cortez Gulf and marine life.
There are so many things to do in La Paz, Baja California Sur and the city itself is a gem, and besides offering breathtaking sunsets and a multitude of outdoor activities, boasts colorful creative murals made by different Mexican and international artists that give even more charm to the capital of Baja California Sur.
Have a glamorous vacation in the boho chic Tulum (Riviera Maya Quintana Roo)
Visiting Tulum might not look so unique but this crazy place has been in the headlines of many travel magazines for many reasons.
The spectacular never-ending wild beach, the fascinating archeological site overlooking the sea, and the laidback beach lifestyle have attracted a crowd of artists and entrepreneurs from the Hollywood scene, that have seen this magic town as a gold mine and invested in spectacular design hotels, fancy restaurants and bars, which transformed the once laid back fishing village into the ultimate glamorous destination among the celebrities and superstars and their entourage.
In fact, those are the ones who can afford the ultra-expensive so-named “eco-chic” lodges, chicer than eco, for sure.
But worry not, if you don’t belong to the elite, even normal people like us can enjoy the trendy town and have our moment of glory. In this Tulum itinerary, I am telling you all you need to know.
Swim with the whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea
It’s an experience that you will remember forever and you will want to repeat. They are called gentle giants because they are totally innocuous and most of the time even playful creatures.
They migrate from the south to the north in search of food and you will be able to see them from Cancun or Holbox in the summer and in Baja California in the wintertime. Don’t miss that tour if you are around.
Explore the spectacular biosphere of Calakmul (Campeche)
Calakmul is an unmissable place whether you love archeology or nature, as you get the best of both worlds. Calakmul is one of the largest protected reserves in Mexico and stretches for 7,231 km2 (2,792 sq mi) in the state of Campeche bordering Quintana Roo in the south and El Peten in Guatemala on the west side.
To visit the biosphere you will need at least one entire day and I would recommend hiring a guide and starting in the early morning to get the chance to spot the unique wildlife living in the biosphere.
Maybe you are lucky and spot a Jaguar.
I wish I did. After the jungle tour, you will be taken to the most interesting pyramids and explained the history of the ancient Mayan civilization.
If you chose to go on your own without a guide you will still enjoy the magic atmosphere of this place. And you still be able to see lots of birds and maybe monkeys while hiking to the top of the ancient temples.
Since it’s far away to everything you will need to plan at least a 2-night stay close to the entrance. There are lovely jungle hotels for any budget and needs. If you have time I would suggest you extend your stay as the area is packed with amazing things to do. I stayed there one full week to see everything.
Have a sophisticated weekend or week in one of the exquisite Haciendas of Yucatan
If you love luxury and sophisticated hotels you will definitely need to spend a couple of nights in one Haciendas. There are many, scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula.
They are old properties that were old estate that has been turned into luxury properties, offering the charm of the retro’ feeling together with the modern comfort and style.
The trend of opening a Hotel-hacienda has been increasing lately and you can find a huge variety of options from the finest property to the more laid back.
Fall in love with the lagoon of the 7 shades of blue in Bacalar
Bacalar is one of my favorite spots in the Riviera Maya and when you get there you will understand why. The spectacular lagoon will enchant you with its multiple shades of blues and turquoises.
There are different things that you can do in Bacalar, but my favorite is sailing on the lagoon, feeling the breeze, sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the overwhelming views, or you can take a swing on the water on Coco’s beach, swim in the cenote, or let the water take you away in the rapids, so much fun! Oh ok, there are lots of favorite things to do in Bacalar.
It’s just an exciting yet laid-back place to stay and relax. Bacalar also offers a great choice of accommodation of any sort, from Budget hostels to eco-friendly laid-back luxury lodges on the lagoon. Trust me you will love it to pieces.
Hike the Peña de Bernal (Bernal Peak) – Queretaro
At a couple of hours from the beautiful colonial city of Queretaro, you can find Bernal, one of the Pueblos Magicos of Mexico.
The small town is known for being at the foot of the Peña de Bernal, one of the highest Monoliths in the World.
It’s a spectacular massive rock that you might have seen standing proudly in the frame of any picture of the town.
There is nothing much to do there, besides hiking the peña. It’s a very short hike that you can do in half a day, quite steep but the views are worth all the effort. It’s suitable for families too.
If you are a climber you can certainly find your playground there. Just make sure you go with the right equipment and with a professional partner. I went there with a friend on my way to the Sierra Gorda.
And it was definitely worth the visit.
Join the local spirit and folklore and participate in a Callejoneada in Guanajuato (Guanajuato)
Well, it’s better if you know some Spanish but it’s still an interesting event to join, every night university students gather in the main square to take you to explore historical corners of the colonial city, while singing and telling stories and legends, of course in a funny way and most of the time involving the public, with mockery and jokes.
It’s a popular old tradition that involves a lot of skills and training by the students who do it, not only to keep the traditions alive but also to raise money to support their studies.
It’s such a great entertaining show that you will be happy to leave them a tip at the end of it.
Take a stroll on the Malecòn in Puerto Vallarta
Almost every touristic city built on the beach has a Malecon, which is a promenade that stretches along the beach or by the sea.
I am not sure whether the one in Puerto Vallarta is one of the best and longest in Mexico, but I am certain that it is the most entertaining.
In fact, among all the amazing things to do in Puerto Vallarta, a stroll on the Malecon is the most popular and cheapest, and the most interesting.
Depending on which time of the day you take your walk, there is always something to entertain you.
In the morning you will enjoy the fresh breeze and the peaceful atmosphere, and a good number of doggies taking their human out for a walk :).
In the evening you will enjoy the colorful food stalls where you can try local delicacies while admiring the spectacular sunsets.
But the highlights of the Malecon are the magnificent copper statues by Sergio Bustamante, a productive Mexican artist from Guadalajara, and the Voladores of Papantla, demonstrating a traditional ritual of the ancient civilization that occupied what is now the state of Veracruz and which was recognized as Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2009.
Most of the time you can also admire beautiful sand statues made by local artists, not to mention, paintings and other creative handicrafts.
Learn about the Indigenous Textil Tradition in the colorful San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas is one of my favorite places in Mexico and although it’s been growing a lot in the past years with a huge amount of tourist arrivals and foreigners moving there (I don’t blame them), with everything that it implies, the vibrant city didn’t lose its charm.
Walk around the 3 caminadores, streets with no car access, check out the jewelry shops, and walk around the market, that’s what I loved the most about San Cristobal. The textiles market is one of a kind, an outburst of color.
There is an amount of stylish beautiful boutique hotels, where you would want to stay, and vegan-friendly restaurants where to enjoy great meals at a reasonable price, not to talk about the cute little cafes.
The surroundings of San Cristobal de las Casas are also unmissable, with waterfalls, lagoons, and other natural beauties to explore.
Be mesmerized by the beauty of the Waterfalls Velo de Novia and the Montebello Lagoon in Chiapas
I was mentioning in the paragraph above about the natural wonders in the surroundings of San Cristobal.
Well, this is one of them. I cannot say my favorite because the competition is high, but you will surely want to go and check it out. You are really better off going on a tour unless you have your own car.
The tour would take you to the Lagunas de Montebello National park and then to the El Chiflon waterfalls. It’s a spectacular easy hike on a boardwalk following the river flow until you get to the spectacular falls. So breathtaking and wet 🙂
Meet the spider monkeys in Punta Laguna
Not many people know about it, but Punta Laguna is a protected area located on the way to Valladolid coming from Tulum.
There you can spot playful and sometimes naughty spider monkeys at a very short distance and if you are lucky you might also see howling monkeys.
There is also a lagoon that you can navigate and a tiny cenote that you can explore with a little adventure. It’s a nice short trip if you are in Tulum.
Visit the secluded archeological site of Kohunlich
Nobody talks about it, but it’s one of the most spectacular archeological sites I have ever visited. It’s located on the way to Calakmul and you should make time to visit Kokunlich you might want to stay in the nearby all-inclusive property Explorean Kohunlich, an oasis in the jungle. Especially if you have been traveling for a while this is the best place to rest.
Walk around the yellow town of Izamal
Izamal is a beautiful and quaint colonial town located 68km from Merida and 254km from Cancun, it is one of the two towns in Yucatan (the other one is Valladolid) to have been included in the list of Pueblos Magicos of Mexico, due to its interesting history and culture, and its peculiar location, surrounded by Mayan archeological sites and cenotes.
In fact, the picturesque town was also given the name, “the town of the hills,” because of the numerous Mayan settlements which have been discovered in the surrounding area.
As soon as you get there you will know why it’s called the yellow town.
You may also like:
51 Interesting Facts About Mexican History
See the pink flamingoes in the biosphere of Celestún
It’s a show that you will never forget. Just at about 2 hours from Merida, Celestún is a very small and insignificant town on the coast of the Mexican Gulf, the beach is not particularly interesting, but they have a special unique treasure.
A huge lagoon, home of a flamingo colony. There are thousands of these graceful creatures that fly across the lagoon and mingle with other bird species. You can take a tour either from the bridge at the town entrance or on the beach as well.
It’s definitely worth the trip.
Explore the archaeological site of Uxmal
To me the most interesting site within the Ruta Puuc in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Uxmal is the most representative settlement of the Puuc region architecture, with its hieroglyphic panels and mascarons and the peculiar layout of the buildings which reveal their mastery in astronomy.
If you can hire a guide it will be great to learn about the history behind the magnificent pre-Hispanic city. In this article, you will find more detailed information.
Spend a few days in Valladolid and familiarize yourself with the Yucatecan culture (food included…if you are not vegan)
Valladolid is the first colonial town when you leave the ultra-touristy Riviera Maya and it’s a special place to me.
It’s becoming more and more of a popular hub for travelers in search of an authentic cultural experience in Mexico but despite the growing number of visitors, it’s keeping the genuine vibes of a local town and yet with a lot to offer.
Spectacular colonial houses refurbished in design hotels restaurants and showrooms, museums, great food, and natural beauties.
In fact, Valladolid is surrounded by spectacular cenotes to discover and there is even one in the heart of town. You should definitely go and here is a useful guide to help you get around.
Visit the archeological site of Chichen-Itzà one of the seven wonders of the world
You cannot go to Mexico and ignore this spectacular archeological site, a symbol of the impressive genius of the Mayan civilization, their constructing abilities, and astronomical knowledge. It will blow your mind. I assure you.
My best advice is to get there very early in the morning at 8 am when the gates open so that you avoid the crowd.
If you are coming from Cancun to Chichen Itza
Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo
That was one of the amazing snorkeling trips I have had. It was cold and I was shivering in the water, but I have seen so much both below and above the water.
Swimming with the sea lions was so much fun and also watching the playful whales jumping in the air so gracefully for such huge creatures.
It was an incredible experience and I talk more about it everything you need to know about Cabo Pulmo and getting there is a detailed post.
Enjoy the deserted beach at El Cuyo
Discovered by a kitesurfer, this off-the-beaten-track beach in Yucatan, might not have the Caribbean colors but sometimes it’s even better.
On sunny days you still have the Caribbean turquoise water and the tranquility of an unpopulated beach.
El Cuyo is a tiny beautiful community of locals and expatriates that shares a love for nature and tranquillity. This is a place you will easily fall in love with.
Hike in the Sierra de la Laguna in Baja California
Located in the southern end of Baja California, between La Paz and Los Cabos, the Sierra de La Laguna is a very unique region with an extension of 112,437 hectares that includes a mix of rugged mountains, canyons, and vast dry plains.
Proclaimed a protected biosphere by UNESCO in 1994, the Sierra la Laguna Biosphere Reserve constitutes an area of great biodiversity, it is the only coniferous forest, palm grove, scrub, and pine-oak forest in the state and the only rain forest in the Baja California peninsula. (Source)
This beautiful area with spectacular contrasting landscape attracts visitors from all over the world who want to explore its narrow trails to hike and camp.
The Sierra de la Laguna was the first stop of my 2 weeks road trip itinerary around Baja California, and I loved it.
Spend a few days in the beautiful Holbox Island
Located off the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo, Holbox is one of those places that you need to see once in your life.
It’s a tiny island with a hippie vibe and a lazy lifestyle, where all you have to do is enjoy the beach and connect with nature.
There are one-day tours from the Riviera Maya and Cancun to Holbox if you don’t have more time to stay on the island.
However, I believe that in order to appreciate it even more and really enjoy it, you should stay at least a couple of nights and one full day. If you could make it 3 nights you will have a blast, the only risk is that you will never want to leave.
Also, I believe that most of the experience you will have in Isla Holbox will depend on the hotel you chose as well. It doesn’t have to be luxury, although it would make it extra special. Find out what are the best hotel options in Holbox and chose your favorite.
Spend a day in the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City
I know I should have put Mexico City among the first unique places to visit in Mexico. It’s a vibrant multicultural city, very controversial but with lots of beauty in it.
There is so much to see and do in Mexico city but I have been there about three times for short periods and every time I ended up in the Anthropological museum. You can spend a whole day there and never finish exploring it.
It’s a collection of archeological finds that narrate the history of Mexico from the Pre-hispanic era up to the modern time and contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art.
Visit las Grutas de Tolantongo
Las Grutas de Tolantongo is the most spectacular Mexican hot spring located in the state of Hidalgo. It’s a favorite spot for dreamy Instagram pictures, and one of the top natural wonders in Mexico.
I have finally made it there and I wrote a detailed guide to las Grutas de Tolantongo where I explain how to get there, the things to do, and other practical tips on how to enjoy the place to the fullest.
Explore the Mexican culture in one of the Mexican Pueblos Magicos
The Mexican Pueblos Magicos are about 133 Mexican towns proclaimed “Magic” for their charm, a profound cultural heritage, or their natural resources.
There are so many, among which San Cristobal de las Casas, considered the most Magic of the Pueblos Magicos, for its interesting culture and pretty cobblestone roads, or the spectacular Isla Mujeres, renowned for its turquoise water and white sand beaches.
There are plenty of places to visit, let me know which one did you choose.
✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨
👉 Do I need travel insurance to travel to Mexico?
I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.
🚰 Can I drink tap water in Mexico?
No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.
🚗 Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.
Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico.
📱 Will my phone work in Mexico?
It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!
🤕 Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.
Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.
Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:
💉 Do I need any vaccine to travel to Mexico?
No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico
🇲🇽 Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine.
Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards.
It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa
💸 Where do I find the best travel deals for Mexico? 💸
A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:
👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August.
👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts
👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals!
👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia.
👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals
Happy travels!!
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Isabella, author, editor, and founder
A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that she’s proud to call home. When she’s not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world.