There are many beautiful places to visit in Mexico. The best time to go is during the Day of the Dead, Christmas, or Easter. Big celebrations in this region mark these holidays. Another beautiful place to visit is Morelia; a city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This city is known for its pink stone buildings and Baroque architecture.
Chichen Itza
The archaeological site of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the grounds independently or hire a guide to explain the various structures. However, you should bring a specialist book if you’re interested in learning more about the site. A manual can also help you navigate the complex and make the area less overwhelming.
You can travel to Chichen Itza by bus or colectivo. Buses regularly leave Playa del Carmen and take about four hours to reach the site. A better option is to opt for organized tours. These tours are the most comfortable and safest.
Chichen Itza is home to a ruined pre-Columbian city. This ancient city was built by the historical Maya people, descendants of whom still live in this region. It developed in the Late Classic period of Mesoamerican archaeology and was a major economic powerhouse. During the Postclassical and Terminal Classic periods, it became the center of a significant trade and financial hub. But it fell into decline around the 13th century. The reason for this decline is still under debate.
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most popular places to travel. However, it would help if you only visited Chichen Itza during the shoulder and rainy seasons. The ruins open at 8 AM and close at 4:30 PM, which limits your time to explore. Also, the ruins get very hot around midday, which can be uncomfortable. Also, only visit Chichen Itza on Sundays, as Mexican citizens get free entry to all tourist places.
Oaxaca City
You can find ATMs and shopping districts here. Many street vendors also sell local food, pastries, and sweets. On weekends, you can visit the market to buy local items. This is an excellent way to see the local culture.
You can get around the city on foot. However, consider taking a taxi. Taxis are usually reliable and honest. You can also take a day tour if you want to explore the surrounding countryside. If you need help getting around, try Didi, a taxi app similar to Uber.
Oaxaca City is home to many cultural events. During Semana Santa, the city holds a significant cultural festival, which features reenactments of the stations of the cross. You’ll also see coyotes or ear-piercing ceremonies. Whether you’re looking for a fun and unique trip, Oaxaca is the place for you!
The town’s cobblestone streets are lined with cozy boutique hotels. Try Escondido Oaxaca, a brutalist-style hotel, or Hotel Sin Nombre, a restored 17th-century building. You can find excellent restaurants in Oaxaca City. Try the Criollo restaurant, by Luis Arellano, and the Alfonsina restaurant. Onno and Poulenc, two local coffee shops, serve fresh sourdough and cold brews.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is an area of the Caribbean Sea home to white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is a popular tourist destination year-round and is also home to ancient Mayan sites, fantastic coral reefs, and delicious cuisine. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Riviera Maya is home to many world-class resorts. You can enjoy all-inclusive amenities at all-inclusive resorts or stay in boutique hotels. You can also rent vacation rental apartments and enjoy a more authentic Mexican experience. The Riviera Maya is a great vacation spot for retirees and semi-retired couples who want to enjoy the sunshine, good food, and cultural activities.
You can easily reach Playa Del Carmen and its famous beaches or stay in Playacar, which is more central and convenient. Playacar is home to some of the Riviera Maya’s most impressive resorts. It is also home to various shops and restaurants, including street vendors selling tacos.
The beachfront is the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can find a hammock on the beach and watch sea turtles swim offshore. The pristine beaches are perfect for snorkeling or diving. The sea turtle nesting season takes place from June to August. You can swim with these fantastic creatures and admire their stunning beauty during this time.
Merida
One of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, Merida is free of pretense. The city is filled with vibrant colors and a strong sense of human dignity. The town has won many awards, including being named the Cultural Capital of Latin America twice. It was the first to win the title in 2000 and has since hosted various cultural events.
Merida is a vibrant city in the Yucatan Peninsula. It has a rich cultural history and a gastronomy scene recognized by UNESCO. It is centrally located and is close to numerous beaches, Mayan ruins, historic haciendas, and a flamingo ecological reserve. You can get around the city by renting a car, taxi, or Uber.
You can take a bus from Merida to Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city. This is about 75 miles (121 km) away. Buses run every 20 minutes and cost around eight dollars USD. The ride takes about an hour.
Puerto Escondido
With just over 45,000, Puerto Escondido is a thriving beach town full of ex-pats, adventurers, and wellness devotees. The city has recently become a top alternative to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Foodies will love the town’s diverse cuisine, which draws on the rich indigenous culture of the area. Fresh seafood and abundant fruit are the staples of the local cuisine.
Another great place to visit while staying in Puerto Escondido is Mazunte. This smaller, less developed town is a great place to escape the crowds. However, if you’re looking for more action, head to Oaxaca City. It’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful architecture, historical churches, delicious food, and an abundance of mezcal. You’ll need a car or a bus to reach this destination, but it’s worth it.
Whale watching in the Manialtepec Lagoon is another great activity to enjoy while visiting Puerto Escondido. A three-hour boat tour is ideal for whale watching, but take sea sickness medicine with you! The waves are large, and the boat’s small size can make you feel seasick. Sea sickness medication is readily available at local pharmacies and should be taken 30 minutes before departure. Another exciting thing to do in Puerto Escondido is to go fishing. You can catch big fish and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Monterrey
Monterrey is surrounded by majestic mountains, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourism. You can enjoy several outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to horseback riding and water sports. The city is also home to some of the most cutting-edge architecture in Mexico. It is also home to a renowned Mexican History Museum. In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise at sunset to admire the views of the city. You can also try the local cuisine, such as the cabrito.
The city is easy to get around, and there are light rail and taxi services. However, driving in Monterrey can be tricky due to poor signage and confusing road layouts. While it’s not safe to go alone in Monterrey, a vehicle can help you explore the area around your hotel. There are public buses that run throughout the city, and there are also tours available for the significant sights.
One of the top places to visit in Monterrey is the beautiful Fundidora Park. It has numerous beautiful fountains, sculptures, and architectural highlights. The park also boasts a Sesame Street park and a Santa Lucia Riverwalk.
Tulum
A visit to Tulum will provide you with a unique experience. Not only will you be surrounded by stunning white sand beaches, but you will also get to explore a tropical jungle. The jungle is truly magical and offers a chance to hear the sounds of animals and gaze at the stars.
One of the most beautiful backdrops in Tulum is the Tulum overlook. It overlooks the sea and is one of the most popular places to visit in Tulum. You can also visit the Templo de la Pinturas, where you can see the original red murals that were partially restored.
While you’re in Tulum, make sure to check out the Cenotes. These underground springs are carved into the limestone bedrock and have been used as a source of water for centuries. During the day, the cenotes are a great place to swim. At night, you can enjoy lively nightlife in the downtown area.
Another great way to explore the area is to bike. There are many bike paths around the town, and renting a bike is an excellent option for exploring off-the-beaten trails. Biking is one of the best ways to see the sights without worrying about traffic or parking.