Top Tips: 8 Destinations to Visit in Mexico
Traveling has always been for me the best source of inspiration. In today’s post I want to share some of the most stunning places to visit in Mexico.
Everyone has a different reason as to why they are on a holiday. For some, it’s to rewind and relax while for others it’s a chance to bond in their luxury homes in Mexico. Getting away from it all might be your reason as to why you’re doing an internet search of places to go, but with so many to choose from it can get pretty confusing. Lucky you, this guide will help you decide where to go.
MÉRIDA
When someone says you must visit Mérida, they are not referring to the Disney film, but rather a heavenly city four hours from Cancun. The capital of the Yucatan peninsula provides you practically a 360-degree view of history and culture. This is partly in thanks to the rustic architecture of the city, with many buildings dating back to the Spanish era.It was also recently heralded by the Lonely Planet as 2017’s American culture capital due to its energetic music and cultural flair.
When you step foot in the city, it is clear the award is well deserved as they city still manages to preserve also Mayan articles as well, in the form of the Mayan stones used by the Spaniards for their structure. And due to its location, you can easily visit Mayan structures such as the Chichen Itza in a day trip. There are several things to do here, including visiting the modern wonder that is the El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (The Great Museum of the Mayan World) where you can trace the timeline of the Mayans, from pre-Hispanic til what they are today.
OAXACA
Oaxaca is one of the safest cities in the country, so much so that even the daughter of former American president Barack Obama was permitted by her father to visit the city. The locals are also some of the friendliest in the country. You will love the diverse culture of Oaxaca since there are 17 languages spoken here, including Spanish.
There’s also plenty of things to do, from visiting the picturesque town of La Crucecita to checking out the Tule Tree, which is the largest tree in the world. You will soon discover why artists have fallen in love with the city and why tourists return to it.
PUERTO VALLARTA
If you want some sun, sand, and water, then Puerto Vallarta is ideal for you. It’s a beautiful coastal city in western Mexico, with millions of tourists taking advantage of its blue waters and warm, sandy beaches.
Fall in love with Banderas Bay called one of the most beautiful bays in the world or take a boat to Marieta Islands and explore the hidden beach. But if you want to know the best time to visit Vallarta, perhaps it is in early December to mid-March, during the humpback whale season. During this period, you will get to witness the male humpback whale serenading his intended mate. If a baby whale is what you want, come by mid-December since this is when the calves are born.
MEXICO CITY
If the party scene is what you’re looking for, then Mexico city has it for you. Aside from being the capital of the nation, this bustling metropolis. If you want to see the fusion of old and new, then Mexico City has you. There are so many things and places to go to so if you want to get an all in one Mexican experience and at the same time you have limited time, then just stick with Mexico city. You’ll get to explore Aztec history without leaving its walls then later on in the evening, perhaps watch a lucha match (Mexican wrestling). Afterwards, go ahead and enjoy the nightlife. Yes, truly Mexico city has it all.
TULUM
If what you seek is a place that is still practically untouched by commercialization, you may want to head over to Tulum.
This is the perfect location for the couple who wants to do double duty by learning Mexico’s history and at the same time, enjoy the beach. You have the ruins of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city ready to be explored and you have some of the most pristine beaches you will ever find. If that’s not enough, there are cenotes, eco-parks, and other activities for you to do here such as swimming with the dolphins. Yes, Tulum is the hidden treasure you’d want to return to.
COZUMEL
Divers will be thrilled to know that off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula likes Cozumel, an island that simply calls to those who wish to discover the natural wonders beneath the surface.
Life on the island is simple, with the main activities being that of snorkelling and diving. Take advantage of it and go underneath the water to discover the beauty Mother Nature has hidden beneath the waves. Afterwards, check out the San Gervasio ruins then walk through Museo de la Isla de Cozumel.
ISLA MUJERES
Its name may mean “Women Island”, but men are definitely welcome to come on the shore of Isla Mujeres.
A trip to Isla Mujeres is perfect for anyone on a budget since it’s more inexpensive here than most spots in Mexico. It’s just a 20 minutes ferry ride from Cancun, making it truly accessible. It’s also great for families with little tots since it’s usually a hundred meters before the water gets too deep for the kids. Perhaps one of the most notable features of this isle is the Museo Subacuático de Arte. This unique museum is comprised of 500 statues anchored to the ocean floor with the aim to allow marine life to inhabit these statues. It’s a wonderful blend of science, art and natural conservation.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
You might do a double take when you get to Playa del Carmen because you might think you’re not in Mexico anymore. There’s definitely a Eurocentric vibe to this thriving beach city, which some have called as having the best beach in Mexico. Millennials might like it here since it will be easy for them to transition from the beach to spend a night out in town.
There’s more to Mexico than just beaches and diving. No matter where you go, history is there, reminding you to enjoy the present brought to you in the past.