You can visit many places in Mexico, but I recommend a few places in particular. You’ll be amazed by this vibrant country’s cuisine and historic sites. Check out Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Oaxaca City, and Guanajuato.
Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. This destination is ideal for family vacations or a tropical getaway and is accessible by plane from most major cities worldwide. The town has several attractions and is excellent for water sports. For more information on what to do in Cancun, you can check out the website TravelTriangle.
Whether you are looking for a quiet beach or lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Cancun. For families, there’s a kid’s park, Avenida Tulum, and a family-friendly park, Parque Las Palapas. For those looking for a more adventurous activity, the Yucatan Peninsula is home to thousands of cenotes. These are naturally occurring sinkholes filled with water. A massive underground river system in the Yucatan carved these sinkholes into the limestone surface.
Cancun is also home to the Magical Town, a small town with turquoise waters and vibrant energy. Many boutique hotels and exclusive resorts line the sand, and the city has everything from water sports to nightclubs and restaurants. The Quinta Avenida is the main pedestrian strip and is an excellent choice for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
If you have time, you can also head to the city of Oaxaca to explore some of the area’s history and culture. You can visit the famous Guelaguetza festival, which has parades around the city, and the Dia de Los Muertos festival in November. The city also has some gorgeous churches and a cultural center that tells the story of the indigenous communities in the region.
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is a beautiful part of Mexico with stunning natural beauty. Known for its pristine beaches and turquoise water, the region also boasts several eco-luxury boutique hotels. The hotels are known for their environmentally friendly practices and promote local food and activities. Some of them are even home to sea turtles.
Playa del Carmen, the central city of the Riviera Maya, is the ideal starting point for exploring the region. Its charm attracts many visitors, but the town retains a small-town charm. The 5th Avenue area features many restaurants, gift shops, street vendors selling tacos, and other local attractions.
If you have a budget, try to take a day trip to Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is about a two-hour drive from Riviera Maya and is well worth the visit. The El Castillo pyramid is the most impressive sight in the Yucatan.
Another place to visit in the Riviera Maya is the island of Holbox. The island has pristine turquoise waters and white sand beaches, but it retains a sleepy atmosphere. The island is the perfect destination for those looking for an idyllic getaway. Whether traveling with family or friends, you can find an exciting day trip in the Riviera Maya region.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Riviera Maya is also an excellent place to take them scuba diving or snorkeling. Its water is crystal clear and boasts a gorgeous coral reef. The island offers tours and activities for all ages.
Oaxaca City
You can quickly get to Oaxaca City from most international airports. Several domestic flights arrive directly in Oaxaca. One-stop flights are available from Los Angeles, Dallas, and Houston. Once in the city, you can get a local taxi or share a shuttle for around USD 10 per person. You can also buy local beer for $3-4 USD or enjoy a good mezcal cocktail for about $5-10.
The city is home to some of the best restaurants in Mexico. While there, you should consider a reservation before visiting these establishments. The food in Oaxaca is world-class, and you can try a range of local dishes. One of the best places to try local cuisine is at the market. The Mercado 20 de Noviembre has many other food stalls and is particularly popular for its aisle of roasted proteins. Alternatively, you can head to the Organico La Cosecha market for more vegetarian options.
The people of Oaxaca are friendly and polite. You should always be respectful and try to speak Spanish. In addition to learning Spanish, you should try to accept local cuisine and try the mole.
Guanajuato
If you’re looking for a vacation spot in Mexico, consider visiting Guanajuato. It’s the capital of Guanajuato State and is home to nearly forty percent of the country’s bird species. While it may not have beaches, the city offers artificial colonial wonders and a thriving foodie scene. And the town is experiencing a tourism revival. You can follow its progress on a new FB group, which features daily discussions.
The colonial city is located in the central highlands, offering a mountainous setting and colorful colonial architecture. It is an ideal destination for day trips and overnight stays. Guanajuato is a beautiful place for those looking for a cultural getaway.
A visit to Guanajuato’s historic center will allow you to experience the city’s history and culture. The city is also home to the Pipila Monument, a high, towering structure. This monument commemorates a famous local who helped free Guanajuato from Spanish rule in the early 19th century. A visit to this monument will reward you with panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
The bustling city is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. It is home to the International Cervantino Festival, with critical events at the Teatro Juarez and 50 other locations. The Cervantino Festival is an annual celebration of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s works and attracts more than 200,000 visitors to the city. It also has numerous museums and exhibitions related to the culture and history of the town. Moreover, there are several restaurants with special Spanish-style menus.
Merida
One of the best ways to experience Merida’s unique culture is by joining a free walking tour. The tourism office runs these tours every day, and takes place near the city’s central plaza. The tour lasts an hour and a half and will cost you nothing upfront. However, it’s a good idea to book a spot ahead of time to take advantage of a tour.
As one of the most cosmopolitan and cultural capitals of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of other Mexican cities. The city boasts a unique blend of cultural influences and is home to some of the best museums in the region. The town also offers accommodations, exciting markets, and events every night of the week.
Merida is home to several restaurants serving delicious food for the foodies. A popular place for “chile” ice cream is the Mansion Merida. Another good place for dinner is El Jesus CafĂ©. If you are a foodie, you can also head to Paseo Montejo, a historic street in Merida named after Francisco de Montejo.
The Mayan World Museum is another excellent place to visit while in Merida. This museum contains an incredible collection of Mayan art. It’s located about 20 minutes from the city center. You can take an Uber or taxi to the museum and back. The museum is free and open to the public every day except Tuesdays.
San Miguel de Allende
You have a few options when getting to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The first and most convenient is to fly into Leon, Mexico, where there is a public airport, BJX. From major cities in the United States, there are direct flights to BJX from several airlines. You can also book a shuttle from the airport if you wish.
You’ll want to research if you’re considering renting a car in San Miguel de Allende. You’ll want to choose a vehicle that’s reliable and safe. Many San Miguel streets are narrow and difficult to park. In the past, the only way to get around the town was by taxi, but the real estate boom has made cars more affordable for locals. In addition, you’ll want to look for taxis with a marked sign. This way, you can avoid being scammed or ripped off.
Another great reason to visit San Miguel de Allende is to visit its prehistoric pyramids. These structures were constructed by the ancient Otomi people who lived in the San Miguel valley thousands of years ago. The excavations have revealed details of Otomi’s history. While there, you’ll be transported back to an era long since lost.
The historic center of San Miguel de Allende is home to many of the city’s most important attractions. For a more luxurious stay, try visiting Los Frailes, one of the city’s fanciest neighborhoods. The mountains and lake are visible from the area, and the sunsets here are gorgeous. You can also stay in the exclusive La Candelaria, a country club-style development five minutes from the city center. Despite its luxury, San Miguel is still easy to access and walk around.