The Central American country of Mexico borders the USA and has long been popular for honeymoons and families looking to escape daily life for a while and spend some time at a five-star resort. That’s not all that Mexico is about, though. What about the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza or dynamic cities like Oaxaca?
With so many iconic places in Mexico , planning your vacation can be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to spend your holidays in Mexico to give you a helping hand.
When Is The Best Time To Travel To Mexico?
Christmas in December to April is the winter season in Mexico, and it’s when the weather is at its finest, although prices for everything are higher, especially in warm places, e.g., accommodation, flights, etc. Daily temperatures during these months are usually between 23°C and 30°C. It never really gets cold enough to go skiing, though.
Mexico City is filled with lots of fun things to do and sites to visit © Getty Images
May to November is the off-season/rainy season. Heavy showers occur several times a day, temperatures reach the low 30s, and hurricanes are common. Be aware that August, September, and October are the wettest months. On the upside, everything is cheaper, be it airfares or excursions.
Mexico is well-known for its festivals throughout the year. Regardless of the season, if a festival is on the dates you’re traveling, everything will be more expensive, and availability will be scarce, so book well in advance.
Five Mexico Vacation Ideas
- Mexico City
- Oaxaca
- Tulum
- Guadalajara
- Cozumel
Mexico City - One Of The Best Destinations In The World For Street Food
Mexico City is the most populous city in the whole of North America. Every year, millions of tourists begin their Mexican adventure in the capital to learn about the fascinating Aztec history, try the fantastic culinary scene, and scout out creative street art.
Top Places And Tourist Attractions To See In Mexico City
Check out Palacio de Bellas Artes - You’ll never see an architectural masterpiece like the Palacio de Bellas Art anywhere else in Mexico. What was meant to be a quick project in 1904 took three decades to finish. These days, the building is used for theater, dancing performances, and gallery exhibitions. If you’re lucky enough, there might be one on when you’re there.
Buy some souvenirs at Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela - Go shopping local style at Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela. Get your hands on some locally handcrafted items and watch the vendors make them right in front of you. Haggling is a part of Mexican culture, so don’t be afraid to try to get a lower price.
Watch a lucha libre match - If you’re a sports fan or just looking for something different to do, get tickets for a lucha libre match, a form of Latin American wrestling that Mexicans love to watch. Fights are held every couple of nights, and you can buy tickets from local vendors at corner shops or online.
Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mexico City © Getty Images
Food And Drink You Have To Try In Mexico City
Tacos - You can find tacos in every country, but that doesn’t mean they’re like the ones in Mexico City. Tacos come in all different shapes, sizes, and variations but are traditionally served as corn tortillas and covered with onion, coriander, and a meat of your choice. You’ll find tacos are sold everywhere in Mexico City, whether it’s on the corner at a stall or in a five-star restaurant.
Tequila - Even if you’re not a tequila fan, you must have some when you’re in Mexico City. Tequila comes in all different forms and is mixed with other drinks, but if you really want something different, try a Bandera. It’s three shot glasses, one with tequila, one with lime juice, and the final one with Sangrita, a mixture of juices and tabasco. When you’re ready to drink, chase one after the other.
Tips For Visiting Mexico City
- Cash is king in Mexico City. Some places do accept debit and credit cards, but by in large, it’s a cash society.
- Uber is the best way to get around Mexico City, especially when you don’t know where you’re going. The last thing you want is to stumble into a dodgy neighborhood by accident.
- Do some research before choosing where you want to stay. Some districts in Mexico City are safer than others.
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Fly me to amazing Mexico City.
- Los Angeles to Mexico City flights – explore Mexico’s vibrant capital at your own pace.
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- Atlanta to Mexico City flights – escape to the heart of Mexico.
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- Houston to Mexico City flights – explore the city of palaces.
Oaxaca - The Home Of Mezcal
Southwest of Mexico is the colorful city of Oaxaca. Famous for its historical buildings like Centro Histórico de Oaxaca de Juárez, festivals like the Day of the Dead, and distilled alcohol, Mezcal. Spend your first couple of days exploring the city’s sights, like the Templo de Santo Domingo, and then get out into the countryside to discover ancient ruins like Monte Alban.
Amazing Spots And Beautiful Places To Check Out In Oaxaca
Visit the Museum of Cultures - Housed in an ancient monastery, the Museum of Cultures is a fascinating display that will introduce you to the history behind Oaxaca state and the culture there. Some of the gallery’s displays have English translations, but almost all are in Spanish.
Take a day trip to Monte Alban - Just under two hours outside of Oaxaca center sits the archaeological site of Monte Alban, a group of ruins and temples that dates back to the sixth century B.C. Unlike Chichen Itza, you’re still allowed to climb up to the top of some of the pyramids, which offer spectacular views of rural Mexico.
Make it your mission to be in Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead Festival - From October 31st until November, the Day of the Dead Festival is held in Oaxaca. Those who celebrate it believe their loved ones who have passed away travel back to see them over the dates mentioned. From parades to huge parties, it’s a fascinating time to visit the city.
Dishes And Drinks To Try In Oaxaca
Tamales Oaxaqueños - Tamales Oaxaqueños is a popular street food recipe that comes from Oaxaca. This traditional dish consists of tamales which are cooked from dough and wrapped in a corn husk. It’s sometimes served in a banana leaf for added taste. Ask the receptionist at the hotel you’re staying at for recommendations. They’ll know all of the best spots.
Mezcal - Mezcal is a distilled spirit that’s made from the agave plant. It tends to have a herbal flavor and comes in several different varieties. If you order a Mezcal in a bar, it will often be poured as a shot, but you’re meant to sip it to allow yourself to appreciate the explosive flavors.
Mexican Quesadillas are a very popular street food in Oaxaca, Mexico © Getty Images
Tips For Visiting Oaxaca
- Compared to other parts of Mexico, Oaxaca is generally safe, but always have your wits about you when you’re there.
- Oaxaca experiences a lot of earthquakes, but don’t panic if you hear the alert alarm sound out around the city. Find a safe space and let it pass.
- If you’re prone to altitude sickness, it would be wise to consult your doctor before visiting Oaxaca, as the city sits almost 5,102 feet above sea level.
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I’m searching for great flight deals to somewhere in Oaxaca State.
- Explore the vibrant city of Oaxaca with flights from Los Angeles.
- Book your next vacation to Oaxaca from San Francisco.
- Chicago to Oaxaca - discover the rich culture and cuisine of Mexico.
- Visit the colorful city of Oaxaca with flights from Portland.
- Fly from Denver to Oaxaca - experience the beauty of southern Mexico.
Tulum - One Of The Top Places To Go For Couples And For Sun Lovers
Sitting on the Caribbean coastline in the Yucatán Peninsula is the picturesque town of Tulum, known for its white sandy beaches, majestic green jungles, and deep blue river lagoons. Plus, if you’re looking to vacation to one of Mexico’s destinations with the nicest weather, Tulum is where you want to be.
Tulum - What To Do There
Scout out some cenotes - You can find some breathtaking cenotes scattered around Tulum. Cenotes are limestone sinkholes with mini plunge pools and are amazing for deep-sea diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Some notable ones to check out include Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos Cenote, and Calavera.
Snap some photos at one of the many famous Instagram locations - Tulum is exploding with cool places to get your photo taken. Stop by the creative wooden sculpture at Ahau Tulum or go on the hunt for the colorful Tulum sign that everyone loves.
See Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world - The world-renowned Chicen Itza is only a two-hour drive from Tulum and can easily be done as a day trip. The famous Mayan ruins is a complex that was built by the indigenous society in the early 400s A.D. and is now visited by millions of tourists every year.
Best Food And Drinks To Sample In Tulum
Ceviche - Ceviche is a seafood-based dish consisting of raw fish diced cubes soaked in lemon and/or lime juice and complemented with some tortilla chips like many specialties in Mexico. Ceviche is cooked in a couple of ways; for example, some locals add salsa, while others like it with fish and juice only.
Michelada - Fancy a spicy beer-based cocktail? Micheladas are made with Mexican beer, lime juice, and some hot sauce. Like a Margarita, the glass’s rim should be salted but will also be dressed with chili peppers. One of these will give you a kick, that’s for sure.
There is an incredible Ancient Mayan Site in Tulum that you can visit © Getty Images
Insider Tips For Visiting Tulum
- The cheapest accommodation is in Tulum town. The closer you are to the beach, the more expensive it will be.
- While a lot of restaurants and stores will accept dollars as payment, you’re better off paying with pesos as you won’t be charged a premium.
- Tulum is best enjoyed by bicycle. Hotels usually have bikes to rent from their reception, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll find bike rental stores throughout the town.
I’m ready to see what Tulum has to offer.
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- Fly from Bogotá to Cancun and soak up the sun on the Mexican Caribbean coast.
- Book your flights from Lima to Cancun - experience the perfect beach vacation.
- Madrid to Cancun flights - escape to paradise.
- Medellín to Cancun - your ultimate getaway awaits.
- Explore the stunning beaches of Cancun by taking a flight from New York.
Guadalajara - The Mexican City With The Most Interesting Museums And Art Galleries
Guadalajara is the second biggest city in Mexico and is the capital of the state of Jalisco. It’s often visited for its interesting galleries like the Galería Curro art gallery and ample parks with blissful lakes such as the Bosque Los Colomos. Many travelers skip Guadalajara and head straight to the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, but if you give it a chance, you’re in for a treat.
What Are Some Fun Things To Do In Guadalajara?
Listen to a mariachi band - Mexico is known for its mariachi music, and guess what city it originates from? Guadalajara of course. You’ll hear mariachi being played everywhere in Guadalajara, whether from a little band at the side of the street or in a restaurant with a live act every night of the week.
Take a trip to Guachimontones - Only a 45-minute drive from Guadalajara’s city center is the Unesco World Heritage Site Guachimontones. It’s a set of circular-shaped mini mountains which dates back to the Teuchitlan tradition that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.
Get tickets to a local football match - Mexicans love their sports, especially football. Guadalajara has two professional football teams that play in Liga MX, Chivas, and Atlas, which have a bitter rivalry. If you’re lucky enough, you might be in Guadalajara on the dates they play each other to experience the battle between the two.
The Best Food And Drinks In Guadalajara
Pozole - Pozole is a traditional soup from Guadalajara made with dried corn, pork, or chicken, salsa, limes, and shredded lettuce. The standard version made with salsa is red, but there are other versions that don’t have salsa, like Blanco Pozole, which is white.
Tejuino - Tejuino is a fermented drink mixed with corn and unrefined brown sugar. You’ll often see it sold at street food stalls, and it can be from its light brown color. A Tejuino is a perfect way to refresh after an action-packed day exploring Guadalajara.
When walking the streets of Guadalajara you can witness Traditional Mexican Clothing outdoors © Getty Images
Tips For Travelers Visiting Guadalajara
- The cheapest way to get from Guadalajara Airport to the city center is by taking a public bus. Although it does have quite a lot of stops, it’s much cheaper than taking a taxi.
- Guadalajara isn’t as conservative as it’s made out to be. The city has many LGBTQ bars and clubs and even hosts Pride parades.
- The vast majority of people don’t wear shorts or flip-flops in Guadalajara. Locals stick to casual clothing, and so should you.
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- Experience the magic of Guadalajara from Los Angeles.
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- Your Mexican adventure starts with a flight from Las Vegas to Guadalajara.
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Cozumel - One Of The Best Places To Travel To For Scuba Diving
Cozumel is an island off Mexico that was once extraordinarily underdeveloped but has gained popularity in recent years, because of its scuba diving opportunities and is fast becoming a tropical escape for many. The easiest way to get there is by taking a ferry from Playa Del Carmen, only 40 minutes away.
Exciting Activities To Do In Cozumel
Join a jeep tour - Despite the fact that the popular touristy areas on Cozumel have well-developed roads, once you get out to the more untouched parts of the island, there are a lot of dirt roads, only accessible by jeep. Join a jeep tour to see undiscovered parts of Cozumel. Who knows what you might find?
Soak up the warmest weather at Paradise Beach Club - On the northeastern shore of Cozumel is the stunning Paradise Beach Club, perfect for bathing with a cocktail in hand. Pay a fee for the day and enjoy unlimited food and drinks, access to a heated swimming pool, a floating water park, and a private beach.
Swim With Whale Sharks - Get an adrenaline rush like no other by swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Cozumel. From June to September, these fascinating creatures base themselves in the ocean around the island, and many tour companies offer excursions where you can swim with them.
What To Eat And Drink In Cozumel
Pescado Frito - Pescado Frito is a fried fish dish with a side of Mexican rice and some vegetables that can be whipped up within a few minutes. The most popular fish used for it on Cozumel is either grouper or red snapper, but you can use whatever type you like.
Huarache - Similar to tacos, Huararche is a delicious recipe made with pinto beans, salsa, onions, potato, and cilantro. Once the mix is ready, throw it all into a piece of masa dough, and you have a tasty Huarache.
Scuba diving is a great activity to do when vacationing in Cozumel © Getty Images
Need To Know Tips Before Visiting Cozumel
- If you’re coming from your home country, you’re better off flying into Cozumel, but if you’re already on the mainland of Mexico, take a ferry because it’s much cheaper.
- Cozumel is notorious for mosquitos, so bring repellent and apply it once it gets dark to ensure you don’t get any unwanted bites.
- Be aware that Cozumel has one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, so it gets super busy, especially in the summer.
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- Atlanta to Cozumel flights – experience the laid-back island life of Mexico.
