We have traveled to Mexico a dozen occasions and all the time get pleasure from our journeys to this numerous nation. After a yr of most cancers struggles, we’ve got began planning our travels for the winter, and Mexico is on the high of our record. After we lastly go to Cartagena in Colombia, however that shall be one other article. For now, let’s speak about all of the superb causes to go to Mexico!
Why Visit Mexico?
Many individuals ask, why go to Mexico? Whenever we point out we’re planning to spend the winter there, individuals inform us they’re “worried for our safety and would prefer we go someplace else”, however with a little bit planning, a visit to Mexico is superior, and we’re going to share some causes to go to Mexico proper now!
Worried about security in Mexico? Read our articles
When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico?
The finest time to go to Mexico is determined by what you need to do and the place you need to go. Generally, the dry season is the very best time to go to from November to April when the climate is heat and sunny and excellent for seaside holidays in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta. This can also be the time to go to cultural and historic websites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan with out the discomfort of warmth and rain.
If you need to go whale watching, the height season in Baja, California, is from December to April, however it’s from June to October within the Yucatan.
If you need fewer crowds and decrease costs, May to June and September to October are good occasions to go to, with nice climate and a extra relaxed journey. Just remember that the wet season from May to October can convey heavy showers in tropical areas, nevertheless it hardly ever impacts your journey plans.
1. Rich Cultural Heritage
Mexico has a wealthy and various cultural heritage that spans hundreds of years so historical past buffs will adore it. You can discover historic civilizations just like the Maya and Aztecs via unimaginable archaeological websites. Chichen Itza one of many New Seven Wonders of the World has El Castillo pyramid a should see for any traveler. Teotihuacan the “City of the Gods” is one other spotlight with its spectacular Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Beyond these well-known websites Mexico has many extra historic treasures. Palenque in Chiapas has stunning Maya structure and carvings surrounded by jungle. Monte Albán in Oaxaca has beautiful views and a glimpse into the Zapotec civilization. And as well as to these ruins you may go to UNESCO World Heritage Sites just like the historic heart of Mexico City and Xochimilco the place colourful boats float via historic canals.
And cultural festivals and traditions are an enormous a part of Mexico’s heritage. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) reveals how Mexico does demise. Elaborate altars, colourful decorations, and parades. Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo are additionally not to be missed.
2. Stunning Beaches
Mexico has among the most stunning seashores on the planet with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to swimsuit each type of traveler. Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its white sand and clear turquoise water, good for sunbathing, luxurious resorts and water actions like snorkeling and scuba diving on the close by Great Mesoamerican Reef.
On the Caribbean Coast, Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya is chill with stunning seashores, nice for exploring marine life, visiting historic Mayan ruins like Tulum or taking a ferry to Cozumel. For a extra luxurious expertise Tulum has eco-chic seashores, fashionable seaside golf equipment, boutique motels and the well-known Tulum Ruins proper on the seaside.
On the Pacific aspect Puerto Vallarta has seashores surrounded by mountains, nice for whale watching, deep sea fishing and exploring the outdated city. Cabo San Lucas in Baja California is known for its dramatic landscapes, luxurious resorts, nightlife, the long-lasting El Arco rock formation and actions like snorkeling, crusing and sport fishing.
For surfers, Sayulita and Puerto Escondido have among the finest waves in Mexico. Sayulita is bohemian and fits each newcomers and skilled surfers, whereas Puerto Escondido is known for the large waves at Zicatela Beach.
3. Natural Wonders
Mexico’s pure wonders are breathtaking and various. Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas has cliffs and boat excursions on the Grijalva River, views and wildlife. Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca has petrified waterfalls and pure infinity swimming pools, swimming and mountaineering.
Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest peak, is for critical mountaineers who’re on robust climbs and have tough views. The nationwide park round it has mountaineering and tenting in a volcanic panorama. The cenotes of the Yucatan have distinctive swimming in crystal clear sinkholes for snorkelers and divers.
Copper Canyon in Chihuahua is greater and deeper than the Grand Canyon, mountaineering, horseback using, and practice rides. Mexico is a nature and journey lover’s paradise.
4. Delicious Mexican Cuisine
Mexican meals is an enormous draw for foodies worldwide, and many individuals plan their trip round making an attempt its daring flavors, many components, and colourful traditions. Mexican meals is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage; that’s how essential and particular it’s on the world stage.
Street Tacos are the last word Mexican meals expertise. Found in markets and roadside stalls these tacos characteristic freshly made tortillas crammed with a wide range of meat, topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa. Each area has its personal twist and you’ll style the flavors exploding in your style buds. Mole is a fancy sauce constituted of a mixture of chiles, chocolate and spices, Mole Poblano from Puebla is probably the most well-known however Oaxaca is called the “Land of Seven Moles”.
Whether you’re having fun with Tamales and avenue meals or eating on Ceviche at a Michelin Star Mexican Restaurants in Mexico City, eating in Mexico is the easiest way to expertise Mexican tradition.
Pozole is a thick soup made with hominy, pork or hen and a mixture of spices, you will have to strive it. This conventional dish is commonly garnished with radishes, lettuce, oregano and lime, so that you get a burst of flavours in each spoonful. It’s particularly widespread throughout celebrations and fiestas.
5. Mexican Spirits
Mexico’s drink choices are simply as spectacular. Tequila and Mezcal, each conventional Mexican spirits constituted of agave, are a part of the nation’s drink tradition. You can do tastings and excursions within the states of Jalisco and Oaxaca, the place these spirits are produced.
6. Chocolate Was Created in Mexico
Did you understand Mexico can also be house to the creation of chocolate? Dating again to 1100 BC, the Aztecs have been recognized to use cocoa of their drinks. Cocoa beans have been an indication of wealth and have been used as a type of forex. Some distributors nonetheless supply genuine Aztec chocolate within the markets.
7. Festive Atmosphere
Mexico’s celebration environment is an enormous draw for vacationers, with celebrations and occasions all yr spherical.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is the large one, on November 1st and 2nd, the place you honour your deceased family members with altars, parades and vigils.
Mexican Independence Day on September sixteenth has fireworks, music and the Grito de Dolores in Mexico City’s Zócalo Square.
Cinco de Mayo is the Battle of Puebla, with parades and cultural occasions in Puebla.
Other occasions embrace Las Posadas, a 9 day Christmas celebration with processions and events, Carnaval in coastal cities like Mazatlán and Veracruz with parades and fancy costume, Guelaguetza in Oaxaca with indigenous dances and music, Semana Santa (Holy Week) with solemn processions and non secular ceremonies.
The Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca is a bit quirky, the place they carve radishes, and Puebla’s International Mole Festival celebrates the area’s culinary heritage. Participating in these occasions will provide you with an actual connection to Mexico’s tradition and group.
8. Affordable Travel
Mexico is thought for its affordability, providing nice worth for lodging, meals, and actions. It’s a really perfect vacation spot for budget-conscious vacationers.
Mexico is without doubt one of the most inexpensive worldwide holidays you may take. Various airways that fly to Mexico have journey packages that may make the general journey extra inexpensive for you. They’re particularly inexpensive when not round any main holidays, as there may be much less of a requirement to fly there.
One Canadian greenback is the equal to almost 12 Mexican pesos, and even at that conversion charge, you continue to have the chance to negotiate with the distributors within the markets for his or her items. In addition, a lot of the points of interest in Mexico are free for guests, which is right should you’re on a finances.
9. Diverse Landscapes
Mexico has so many various landscapes to supply the out of doors fanatic. From the massive Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, greater and deeper than the Grand Canyon, to the jungles and cenotes of the Yucatan, there’s one thing for everybody. The Sierra Madre Mountains supply nice mountaineering and birdwatching, the Baja Peninsula has dramatic coastlines for whale watching and snorkeling and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán is a should see for the winter migration.
The Pacific Coast has surf spots like Puerto Escondido and Sayulita, and Chiapas has rainforests and waterfalls like Agua Azul. The Valle de Guadalupe wine area in Baja California has vineyards and connoisseur eating places. Whether you’re in deserts, mountains, jungles, or seashores, Mexico has all of it and is the last word journey vacation spot.
From deserts to jungles and mountains to seashores, Mexico’s numerous geography presents infinite alternatives for journey. Hike via Copper Canyon, discover the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, or climb the pyramids of Palenque.
10. Warm Climate
Mexico’s heat climate is an enormous plus, with solar and nice temps yr spherical. The Yucatan Peninsula with tropical locations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum is for seaside lovers. The Baja California Peninsula has delicate winters and scorching summers, good for snorkeling and whale watching in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.
The Pacific Coast cities of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Acapulco have a tropical local weather, nice for water sports activities and nightlife. Central Mexico, together with Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende has a temperate local weather with heat summers and delicate winters, good for sightseeing.
The humid tropical local weather in Chiapas and southern areas means lush rainforests and waterfalls. Northern Mexico’s desert local weather with scorching summers and funky winters means heat climate in cities like Monterrey.
Mexico’s heat local weather means out of doors actions year-round, from mountaineering within the Sierra Madre Mountains to browsing in Sayulita and Puerto Escondido. The climate makes festivals like Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo much more enjoyable, so come for the solar and journey.
11. Vibrant Cities and Towns
Mexico’s cities are a mixture of outdated and new, so that you get a enjoyable journey expertise. Mexico City is the large bustling capital, a cultural hub with world class museums just like the National Museum of Anthropology and historic websites just like the Zocalo and Chapultepec Castle. The metropolis’s many neighborhoods, like Roma and Condesa, are filled with artwork galleries, cafes and nightlife.
Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, and it has a wealthy cultural heritage and festivals. You can go to the historic Teatro Degollado, the attractive Guadalajara Cathedral, and the full of life Mercado San Juan de Dios. The metropolis’s arts and meals scene make it a must-see.
Monterrey is ready within the Sierra Madre Mountains, so that you get a mixture of nature and concrete. The metropolis is thought for its fashionable structure, the Macroplaza, and Fundidora Park, a former metal foundry turned cultural area. The enterprise district and upscale buying facilities are for enterprise vacationers and vacationers.
Or you may go to the colonial cities of Guanajuato and San Miguelle de Allande. You can go to Mexico time and again and never go to the identical place twice.
12. Friendly Locals
Mexican hospitality is known for pleasant individuals who welcome guests and share their tradition. The phrase “mi casa es su casa” (my house is your house) is actual. Travelers love the private connections they make, from useful shopkeepers and nice tour guides to heat hosts in boutique motels and Airbnb’s.
In smaller cities and villages like San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca the local people desires to share their customs and traditions. Joining in native festivals, consuming at household owned eating places and buying at artisan markets is the way in which to do it.
Even in probably the most touristy locations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta the locals will all the time assist you out, offer you recommendation and a smile.
13. Unique Wildlife
Mexico has a lot superb wildlife for nature lovers and wildlife fans. The nation has totally different ecosystems, from rainforests and deserts to mountains and coastal areas, every with its personal species.
The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán is a UNESCO World Heritage website the place hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies migrate each winter. This is a should see for wildlife fans, a wide ranging sight of butterflies clustering within the oyamel fir forests.
Baja California Sur is known for its marine life, particularly within the Sea of Cortez, often known as the “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau. You can snorkel, dive, and kayak amongst coral reefs, whale sharks, sea lions, and dolphins. Gray whale watching in Laguna San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay is an unforgettable expertise with these light giants.
In the Yucatan Peninsula, the jungles and coastal waters are filled with wildlife. Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage website, to see jaguars, manatees, and over 300 species of birds. Snorkel in cenotes and alongside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to see fish, turtles, and rays.
14. Communication
While nearly all of Mexican residents converse Spanish, all of them have various levels of data in talking English. This makes it straightforward for a lot of vacationers, most of whom go to from the United States and Canada, to talk with the locals to get instructions or ask for assist. It additionally makes laughing and joking with the native youngsters memorable.
You can negotiate simpler when shopping for your items as a result of you may banter backwards and forwards with the distributors. Most of the Mexican persons are additionally very pleasant to vacationers. They perceive that tourism helps to increase the Mexican economic system. When vacationers are blissful and touring to Mexico, everybody advantages.
15. Music
Dave and I’ve all the time mentioned that Mexican musicians are probably the most proficient and when going out at evening, ensure that to watch Mariaches play at an area bar.
Mexico’s musical heritage is an enormous a part of its DNA. Mariachi music from Jalisco is iconic, and you’ll hear it in locations like Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City. Regional kinds add to the combo: son jarocho from Veracruz, norteño and banda from the north and trova yucateca from the Yucatan Peninsula.
Music festivals just like the Cervantino in Guanajuato and Vive Latino in Mexico City convey collectively conventional and up to date sounds with worldwide artists. Experiencing these traditions is the actual deal of Mexico’s tradition and inventive soul.
From historic ruins, to beautuful seashores Mexico has all of it. Mexicans are welcoming and pleasant. Yes, the nation has its issues with the cartels, however should you plan nicely and keep away from the new zones, you may have a secure an gratifying time in Mexico. So are you planning to go to Mexico? Let us know within the feedback under.