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Best Things To Do In Mexico
Known to be the oldest city of North America, Mexico is located in the continent’s southern portion. Mexico is known all across the world for Tacos, Sombreros, Margaritas, and the wide variety of food that it offers but do you know that it is also the birthplace of the North American Print.
It is the first city in all of North America that used a printing press. It is also one of the major tourist spots all across the world and attracts a wide variety of tourists all through the year because of its cultural and ethnic diversity.
With that let’s take you on a small journey of 15 amazing things that you can do when visiting Mexico:-
1.Oaxaca City
Oaxaca de JuĂ¡rez aka Oaxaca City which is the capital of Oaxaca (state) is located in the south of Mexico. Known to be the home of 18 indigenous groups, this city is diverse in its ethnicity and linguistics. Its richness in biodiversity and fun activities attracts a lot of tourists year-round.
Oaxaca is not just about nature and its diversity but it also has a rich variety of food to offer. It is widely famous for the seven classic varieties of mole, which is a thick complex type of sauce served with meat and rice. A vast variety of ingredients are used for the preparation of this delicious item and hence it is suggested to be a must-have while traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico.
2.Pueblos Mancomunados of Sierra Norte Region
Whenever we talk about Mexico, tacos, beaches, and margaritas are the first things that capture our minds. There is a fair chance that you haven’t heard about the Pueblos Mancomunados of the Sierra Norte Region because it is underhyped. If you are fond of mountainous regions, hiking, and participating in adventurous stuff like horseback riding, biking, etc this place is the best for you to travel.
Spread across more than 100 km of rural trails, this place provides you with all kinds of fun adventurous activities. Along with the above-mentioned activities, you can also opt for wildlife viewing, trekking, cycling in this region. The best part is lodging is also provided so you can also plan your stay here accordingly.
Price: $120- $350 per person according to the no. of people and days.
3.DĂas de los Muertos
DĂas de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. The multi-day fest involves the gathering of family and friends in order to pay respect to their deceased ones. In 2008, this tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO.
Although DĂas de Los Muertos is associated with Death, it is actually a Joyous holiday. All the people celebrate this festive dress in extravagant costumes and partake in the ceremonial food items. So if you are planning to travel to Mexico in the month of November, attending this festival should be on the top of your list.
4.Guadalajara
The city of Guadalajara, Mexico is rich in all kinds of tourist attractions ranging from historical sightings to bullfights. Some say that by visiting Guadalajara, you will experience the meaning of Mexicanity firsthand. This city is also easy to explore given the moderate climate.
It is as cultural and diverse as Mexico city but is comparatively less hectic in energy. Some of the places that you can visit while in the city are Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Guadalajara Cathedral, Expiatory Temple, and The Government Palace. These are some of the major tourist spots in the city.
5.Cabo Pulmo
Cabo Pulmo is the best example of eco-tourism at its finest. Estimated to be around 20,000 years old, this place is considered a treasure of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and has over 800 species of marine life. If you want to distance yourself from the chaos of the world and have a peaceful time this place is highly recommended.
It is one of the most scenic locations in all of Mexico whether you are exploring underwater or sailing on top of it. Apart from the wide-ranging light water activities the town of Cabo Pulmo also offers many cultural experiences including food, music, sightseeing, and much more.
6.Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site. It contains a wide range of Monarch butterflies which are considered to have the longest migration trajectory of any insect. The best time to visit this place is between February and March. During this period the whole of the forest becomes an orange wonderland.
The beautiful sight of butterflies covering the thick branches of trees is amazing to watch. Traveling here is also very easy as buses leave several times a day from Mexico City carrying passengers to Angangueo (where the Reserve is located.)
Check out UNESCO’s official website to know more about this World Heritage Centre.
7.San Ignacio Lagoon
San Ignacio Lagoon is located in MulegĂ© Municipality of Baja California Sur, Mexico. This place is famous for the gray whales. People visiting get to watch and pet the Pacific gray whales during the winter months of January all through March. It is also a critical habitat for the near-extinct prong-horned antelope and four of the world’s seven species of sea turtles. The lagoon is divided into three sections.
8.Great Pyramid of Cholula
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is an archaeological site and temple complex believed to be dedicated to the God Quetzalcoatl in San AndrĂ©s. Early phases of the pyramid’s construction have been compared to the style and architecture of TeotihuacĂ¡n.
This area used to be inhabited by a lot of local people but during the 8th and 9th century AD the city experienced a great population drop. Apart from this The Great Pyramid still remains to be a massive tourist spot due to its architectural designs and antiquities.
9.National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico is located in the area between Paseo de la Reforma and Mahatma Gandhi Street within Chapultepec Park. This museum is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico and contains significant archeological and anthropological artifacts from pre-Columbian heritage. If you are an admirer of ancient art and heritage then this place is a must-go for you. Enjoy your time at this museum.
Timing: 9 AM to 7 PM all days
10.Cafebreria El Pendulo
This cafe is a dream come true for all the book and food lovers out there. The place is integrated within a book and games store over 3 levels. This place is highly recommended by a number of tourists who have been there because of its ambiance.
With a large variety of books it also serves great food to accompany you while reading. To add to the magic this place also has musical afternoons from Thursday to Saturday and musical breakfasts during the weekends. Before travelling do visit their official Instagram handle to know more about the place.
Location: Alejandro Dumas 81, Mexico City, 11550
11.Bonampak
Bonampak is an ancient archaeological spot in the Mexican state of Chiapas which dates back to the Early Classical period . It is a temple of murals which are present in 3 rooms. Each of the rooms has a unique story of the Mayan Murals that are rich in detail for those who are observant and are interested in ancient art.
The favoured visiting time by the visitors is usually 12 PM but you can plan your visit accordingly.
12.Santa Prisca Church
The Santa Prisca Church is a colonial monument located in the city of Taxco de Alarćon in the southern state of Guerrero, Mexico. The church was built between 1751 to 1758 by JosĂ© de la Borda. The architectural design was provided by the French Architect Diego Duran and the Spanish Cayetano SigĂ¼enza.
This monument is famous for its architectural beauty as the whole construction of this place was a display of wealth and power. Visitors enter the interiors of the Church which has intricate wood carvings with good leaf or large religious paints. There is also a legend related to the Church which you can read about here.
Timings: Monday to Saturday- 9AM to 7PM
Sunday- 10AM to 8:15 PM
13.Swimming at the Hidden Beach at Marietas Islands
We are all fans of something mysterious and if you are active on social media you must have seen this picture making rounds on the internet. This is the Hidden Beach located at Marietas Island in Mexico. A gaping hole in the lush green Island opens into a beach located at the bottom with ample shade, sun and crystal clear water.
The Marietas Islands have been completely inhabited since the longest time but ever since the discovery of this beach, many tourists have been attracted to visit this place. It has become one of the highly anticipated tourist spots in all of Mexico and it definitely deserves the craze. Tourism to this hidden beach is limited so the trip must be reserved a few days prior.
14.Underwater Museum at Cancun
Cancun Underwater Museum also known as Museo SubacuĂ¡tico de Arte (MUSA) is a non profit organisation which was created with the aim of saving the nearby coral reefs. MUSA obtained a permit to sink 1,200 sculptures in 10 different areas within the National Marine Park.
This underwater museum has a large collection of statues and sculptures with which it combines Scuba diving and snorkeling. To state a few, it has Jason deCaires Taylor’s The Silent Evolution which contains more than 400 human figures shown to be interacting with the surrounding environment. With its unique and amazing attractions it attracts thousands of tourists every season.
15.Hot Air-Ballooning
Now who doesn’t like to have an adventurous Hot Air Balloon flight in the far reaching skies of the place from where you can adore the beauty of the whole city at just a glance. As in any other country, Hot Air Ballooning is pretty famous in the City of Mexico too. You can enjoy a great ride over the TeotihuacĂ¡n and admire the city from up above. Many tourists also book these flights in order to celebrate some special occasions and have a celebratory time. Do check out this link if you are traveling to Mexico and planning to book a Hot Air Balloon Flight.
Charge: Varies according to the time span. (Ranges between 9,500 to 14000)
Planning to visit Cancun!? Check out our post, Cool things to do in Cancun.